CraigsList Scammer using my Rental Ad!

Fish Haid

I just got a call from a man who was scammed by someone using a copy of my house rental ad on CL. I listed the place about 3 weeks ago, and found a good tenant almost immediately (2 days), then deleted my ad.

This guy who called looked up my name based on the address and property tax office. Apparently, he sent rent and deposit to some guy in Texas a week ago and he was supposed to receive the keys in the mail. He had gone to the property to look at it apparently. He sent the money via "moneygram" at Walgreens.

Checking, I see the ad is still up, but is modified a bit from my original text. The reply e-mail is not mine. I just sent a message that I am interested in renting it.

I told the guy who called that I would be glad to help try and catch the thief, but I don't expect much luck. I am planning to call the police tomorrow about the guy advertising my property for rent. Since it is across state lines, maybe I will call the FBI.

stc1993

That's what my boss did. Someone from up north was using his business name and address and scamming rental equipment companies. I don't know what they got out of it unless they were keeping the equipment & selling it.

They never caught them that I know of.

WaVeCrAzEd

I just saw on the Orlando news. The same thing happened here. A guy did not own the home and he tried renting it. Renter was smart and looked up property record's and found the guy did not own it.

Fish Haid

I just found out that he sent them $1,300! They sent him a signed lease, so he thought it was legitimate. They were a bit generous - they included utilities in the rent (only $600 per month).

Soda Popinski

I hope they catch these scumbags, but very doubtful. Glad you got it rented though.

Heatwave

WaVeCrAzEd wrote: »

I just saw on the Orlando news. The same thing happened here. A guy did not own the home and he tried renting it. Renter was smart and looked up property record's and found the guy did not own it.

Zillow, realtor, and Truilia do it also to one up each other on post counts, hits, etc... Even when you have rented it years in the past. All of a sudden you get an email, (can I see your rental). For each inhouse tech. or employee is is about numbers, how many listing you create of find. Thus, pulling up an old listing from 2015 and reposting it gets you points with the boss.
I then had to contact them and state. I never listed on your site at all, how did you get this info, listing, etc. They just say sorry and move on... Knowing full well what they did... Of course it falls under the NO REAL PROOF category and how dare anyone accuse them of such a thing.

Nothin is off limits...

[email protected] Special

stc1993 wrote: »

That's what my boss did. Someone from up north was using his business name and address and scamming rental equipment companies. I don't know what they got out of it unless they were keeping the equipment & selling it.

They never caught them that I know of.

Interesting, I just got an heavy equipment repair bill from work done last week in North Carolina. I haven't had equipment in NC for over 4 years!