Hello, this is Vanessa Saunders Founder & CEO of Global Property Systems Real Estate
We’ve all heard the old saying “Buyer Beware,” but when it comes to rental scams, especially on platforms like Craigslist, it’s the tenants who need to be on high alert.
Just yesterday, a shocking instance highlighted the dangers lurking in the online rental market. A lady was searching for rentals on Craigslist and found an enchanting cottage in the picturesque village of Piermont, NY, listed for a low rent of $900 per month. She suspected this ‘too good to be true’ offer and wisely decided to investigate. Upon researching the property address, she discovered the truth – the cottage was actually listed for sale by us, not for rent!
Sadly, these scams are not rare. Take for example a distressing incident from the past. A couple, believing they had secured a rental directly from an owner (who
claimed to be a minister on an African mission), was duped into paying a thousand-dollar deposit. They sent over personal information and came to me to pick up the keys, only to face the harsh reality that they had been victims of a scam.
These instances underscore the urgent need for tenants to arm themselves with knowledge and stay vigilant. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
Spotting a Rental Scam:
- The deal seems too good to be true: Always research the average rental rates in the area, and be wary of listings significantly under those prices.
- The listing has poor grammar or excessive punctuation: Professional real estate agents know the importance of a well-written ad, while scams often feature poor language and grammar.
- They ask for money upfront: Be suspicious of any requests for money before you’ve met or signed a lease.
- The landlord/owner is out of town: Scammers often claim they’re out of the country and instruct you to send money overseas.
Reporting a Rental Scam:
If you come across a suspicious listing, report it. On Craigslist, you can:
- E-mail the details to abuse@craigslist.org. Include the URL or 10-digit post ID number in your message.
- Use the “spam” flag link in the top right corner of a suspicious posting.
- File a complaint with IC3, a partnership between the FBI, the National White Collar Crime Center, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
- To have the listings removed from Craigslist, pull up the listing and select the “Prohibited” tab. If there is more than one listing for the same property, you can select “spam/over post” and have the second listing with the same address removed as well.
For more information on the Piermont cottage listing, please follow [this link]
Don’t let these heartless scammers shatter your dream of finding the perfect home. Be informed, be vigilant, and remember: Tenant Beware! The reality behind a deal that seems too good to be true can be a shocking scam.
Stay safe, renters!
Vanessa Saunders, Global Property Systems.
