The listing is NOT for RENT, no matter what CraigsList states.... so please
Do NOT send money to a landlord in South Africa
Roxie Realtor enters her home for sale in Tracy in the MLS. The property is vacant, shows well and should be easy to sell. The home is priced right, and after 24 hours and 6 showings she has mulitple offers.
What Roxie did not expect was Polly Possible's phone call. Polly calls wanting more information on the house that is for rent. Roxie explains to Polly that the house is absolutely not for rent but it is for sale. Polly says, “I'll forward you the Craigs List ad that shows it for rent for $1500/mo.”
Roxie gets the ad expecting some cheezy silly ad. NOPE it's a slick professional looking Craigs List ad that clearly explains all of Polly's questions.
"Beautiful 3 bedroom/2 bath home for rent. Rent $1500/mo. Please go by to view the property then contact me. Once your deposit has been sent I will Fed Ex you the keys. Realtor to remove sale sign soon, I've decided NOT TO SELL the home but to rent it out." (Photos ripped from MLS)
Polly possible emails the “owner” regarding her interest questions that the homes is for sale. She receives this response, “The home was for sale, however, the REALTOR wanted to raise the price, so I've decided to rent it out. My Real Estate agent hasn't taken down the sign yet. My wife's father has had an emergency situation in South Africa, and she left yesterday. I'm leaving to join her today. Please forward money to our account in South Africa. I will leave the keys with my co-worker who will mail them as soon as I notify her that the money is there. “
WOW right – of course you already know that the home is FOR SALE, not for RENT. That the OWNER is not in South Africa....
This person took it one step further and called Polly 24 hours later from an out of the country phone number and spoke to her directly. “Have you sent the money yet, I'm in Germany for a lay over and wanted to get the keys to you ASAP.”
Fortunately Polly realized a scam when she saw one and did not send ANY money to Scoundral Scam Artist.
Comments(1)