Possible Real Estate Scam involving Craigslist
The Oconee County Sheriff Department would like to make you aware of a possible real estate scam involving Craig’s List. The scam involves Rental Property but keep in mind that this could potentially happen with anything! Below is the scenario as it occurred:
An individual has his house for sale and decided that he would also consider a lease. He personally placed an ad on Craig’s List to rent the home and included the address, the rental amount, and photos of the home. A local woman runs across an ad on Craig’s List for the rental of that home – only it is not the owner’s original advertisement.
A scammer has copied the original advertisement, lowered the rental amount and placed a new advertisement with new contact information. The potential lessee rides out to look at the house, likes it and emails the contact indicating that she would like to lease the home. The scammer emails her a lease agreement and has her send a security deposit and the first month’s rent by way of Western Union. She does so and her money is
gone. The owner of the home has no idea that his has occurred.
One important note, the scammer uses a freebie account (such as yahoo, etc.). Please be aware of this type of situation as you place ads on Craig’s List.
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