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Craigs List Scam

By
Real Estate Agent with CRS-SRES-ABR-GRI-E-Pro-CREN ~ COMPASS RE 228537

After posting a new listing on Craigs List yesterday, I received two phone calls today!

 

 

However, the two callers were asking about renting the property. This was confusing to me because the listing is for sale, not rent. After talking with the first caller more, I found out someone had stolen the information about the listing and placed an ad on Craigs List stating it was for rent. 

 

These two callers happen to do more searching to find my information, which is the only way I would have known. Apparently, both callers had already contacted the "owner" who was a male (the owner of the home is a single woman). The male wanted $650 for the first months rent. 

 

The ad must have been taken down because I can't find it on Craigs List. I hope no one has given this person any money! Anyone else had this happen or have any ideas on what to do from here?

Posted by

 

 

Sharon Kowitz
www.kowitzrealty.com

Relocation Certified Specialist
Broker/REALTOR
Gold Sales Club - Top Producer
CRS-GRI-ABR-E-Pro-SRES-LHMSM-CREN

Cell: 919-417-4367
skowitz@fmrealty.com

 

 

Comments(6)

Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Sharon Kowitz it's a shame this is still happening! And I am wondering how people can fall for this!

Jun 16, 2015 03:46 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Sharon. This is scary for sure. I wouldn't use Craig's List period.

Jun 16, 2015 09:47 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Sharon, We've had it happen to our own listings a couple of times and have seen it done with others.  They scrape the MLS photos and then post a "for rent" sign.  There's usually some story about the owner being out of country (a missionary, a soldier, etc.) that helps explain why they can't be there to show the home.

You can flag it on Craigslist and also report it to the local police (but don't expect much to happen there).  If you dig deep enough in Craigslist if you can find the ad there actually is a place to report the false listing.  I did so last week on another agent's listing that was being scammed as a rental.

Jun 16, 2015 10:42 PM
Sharon Kowitz
CRS-SRES-ABR-GRI-E-Pro-CREN ~ COMPASS RE - Cary, NC
Cary, NC Relocation Specialist ~ Buying or Selling

Thank you all for posting. I think for the scammers they are praying on desperate people who may have bad credit or simply can't find a great rental at a price they can afford?

Jun 16, 2015 11:05 PM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Sharon Kowitz We do not post For Sale Homes on Craig's List for that exact reason. Just too many gutter rats!

Jun 16, 2015 11:45 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

This scam continues to be successful as long as the rental market remains brisk. Potential tenants have to do more research these days Sharon.

Jun 16, 2015 11:57 PM