Craig's list is an excellent resource.  We have much success with it and we market all of our listings on the site.

 

There are however predators that are out for an easy buck.  As an owner of a CENTURY21 franchise, I received the following email today from the CEO of CENTURY21:

 

We recently learned that the CENTURY 21 brand name has been used in a consumer scam on Craig's List in the United Kingdom to dupe consumers into sending money for property rentals in the United States or the UK. Essentially, the scam involves a person who claims to own a rental property and requires the prospect to send a deposit to a bogus CENTURY 21 representative from whom they can pick up the property keys to inspect the location. We received calls and emails from consumers regarding the scam and have confirmed that it is a scheme being used through property listings on the Craig's List web site.

We are currently investigating the matter to determine where the scam originated and what the impact has been. Craig's List has also been notified of this issue and we hope that it will be able to address the matter on its site as well. In the meantime, if you hear from a consumer questioning the use of a CENTURY 21 office as an escrow agent for property rentals or questioning a Craig's List posting, please advise the consumer not to send any money and to file a complaint with Craig's List at abuse@craigslist.org.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Tom Kunz

Tom Kunz
President & CEO
Century 21 Real Estate LLC

 

Timothy Schwartz Broker Owner of CENTURY21 Showcase in Colts Neck, NJ respectfully requests that you  warn any one you know that me be considering sending these scheisters money.

 
Posted by Timothy Schwartz on 02/12/2008 07:26 PM   Comments (16)   craigs list scam  
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16 Comments on Latest scam on Craig's list

FEB
12
2008
406,115 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

HHmmmm, Tim.....That sure does suck. I would think that if the FBI or the proper authorities got involved they could trace either the origination of the adds or where the money ended up.

Sean Allen
7:36pm • #1
1 Featured Post
Thanks for the heads up. It's ashame Craigslist has to be adulterated like this with scams.
7:39pm • #2
Hope this great site does not get screwed up by scammers---thanks for the info.
7:40pm • #3
226,518 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Never, never, NEVER send money in any form, shape or fashion until checking to make sure it is going where you want it to!

Scam artists have never gone away, they are just relocating to the web!  I hope that this doesn't hurt your franchise, Tim.
7:41pm • #4
Thanks for the info.. people will try anything
7:44pm • #5
125,482 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sean: They probably can.  That is worth looking into.  Thanks for the idea.

Raymond: Yes, it is a shame but make sure you don't throw out the baby with the bath water.  Craig's list is still useful 

Debra:  Thanks for commenting

Kent: I don't think it will hurt C21.  It is just some scheister trying to gain credibilty by using a quality name.  I would think Craig's list will have him shut down if they have not already.
7:48pm • #6
236,913 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Indeed there are scames trying to brake the line of communications on Craig's list. I received quite few strange emails (mainly from UK), using yahoo.com address, inquiring for rentals posted on Craig's list. There were strange in content to say the least. They were offering to send money and furniture to a rental address even before their arrival to US or seeing the place. 
7:55pm • #7
125,482 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Arina:  It takes all kinds.  Be careful out there.
8:06pm • #8
514,455 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
If people would only use their brain power toward the good of all, can you imagine what a dynamite world this would be? 
8:07pm • #9
306,008 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Craigslist has had scam problems in the past.  This isn't the first time and it probably won't be the last.
8:09pm • #10
125,482 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Susan:  You are right, they take so much time doing the wrong thing, can u imagine if they put it to good use?

Eric: I know, in one case someone robbed someone of the cash they brought when they showed up to buy a car.

Andrew:  I've been asking that for the last six months? 
9:19pm • #11
187,485 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Tim, This is terrible.  They are really into Craigs list.  I had them email me to rent one of my properties.  You can tell how they write, but some folks just dont know.  There is another scam similar to this where they are taking our personal names and opening yahoo email accounts.  We have to watch out for that too.

Thanks for the heads up.
9:27pm • #12
105,006 Points 6 Featured Posts

I think this is an outrage...I think what we should do is to raise some money to fight against this abuse..SO I will start a fund to fight this abuse,,,,send all contributions to

Mike Norvell Sr

125 Wilt Ave, Eustis Fl 32726.........Mikenorvell.com
10:11pm • #13
FEB
14
2008
648,311 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Craigs list is a wonderful concept but it has become a playground for thieves.  You really can't completely trust it although I use it for listings and to find potential listings. 
4:26am • #14
FEB
18
2008
125,482 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Audrey:  Unfortunately, there are no shortgage of scheisters in this world.

Mike:  How much did u get so far?

Ruthmarie:  We can not ignore such a useful tool.  We just have to be careful 
11:07pm • #15
621,696 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Thiefs seem to be brilliant, if they'd just use it in a postive way, the world would be a better place.
11:58pm • #16


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Timothy Schwartz

Marlboro Twp, NJ

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Century 21 Mack Morris Iris Lurie

Address: Morganville, NJ, 07751

Office Phone: (732) 536-2228

Cell Phone: (732) 740-4775

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