Craigslist Rental Scam

Looking for an apartment and think that Craigslist is the way to go to search for places? Be aware that of scams involving apartments.

The scam goes something like this. You see a post on Craigslist that has an apartment at an unusually low price. The owner/landlord in the ad states that they are out of town on business and will mail you the keys if you mail them a check. Once they get the check, they cash it and never send you the keys leaving you scammed! What makes this scam work is that they use actual apartments that are listed for rent. For instance, one of my rental listings was used in this scam. A scammer used my listing including description and photos and just reduced the price by half of what is was really listed for.

Renters beware! Here are some rules to live by when looking for an apartment on Craigslist

1. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

2. Don't ever rent an apartment without first seeing it

3. Don't ever send money to someone who claims to be away on business

4. For safer renting always use a professional real estate agent