Craigslist Scams in Minnesota, Landlord and Renters both suffer!

For some time now, people have been targeted by thieves using Craigslist to advertise property rentals. This information will help you understand the nature of these scams and what you can do to avoid being a victim.

How do they do it?

Like you; a renter or landlord; these thieves have access to numerous ads on various websites advertising properties for rent. A scammer will copy the photos and information about these properties and create their own “for rent” ad. They appear to be legitimate in their response because they have photos and all the detailed information about the property. They obtain this information from county property tax websites and the leasing company websites. Some go a step further and create email addresses using the leasing agent’s name or the actual homeowner’s name to appear legitimate.

Who do they target and what’s their goal?

In today’s rental market, these thieves understand that rentals are a hot commodity. Decent rental properties are in high demand and renters know they need to act fast. The thieves’ intent is to advertise your property at an unbelievably great price and wait for renters to respond. Once you respond, they then respond with a heart-felt story about how they are out of the country either serving as a minister or their job relocated them overseas and they need to find a good renter for their home. They proceed to tell you are accepted as a renter and ask you to send a cashier’s check as a deposit. They are doing this will all who respond to their “ad” in the hopes that some of them will actually send money. The problem comes when these renters show up to move in or they never hear from the so-called landlord again after they send their money.

Rental scams don’t just target renters. They target landlords too. The most common is the typical Nigerian scam where a “prospective tenant” agrees to rent your property and states that they have sent you the money order for the required deposit or you may have already received a check, but they tell you they “accidentally” sent too much and it’s put them in a financial bind. The “prospective tenant” asks that you wire the overpayment to them right away. The check or money order that you received is actually no good and you have now sent them a refund on money you never had. In some cases, scammers have collected amounts up to $60,000 in monies paid to them by unsuspecting renters and landlords.

How can you avoid being a victim of these scams?

Nothing beats face-to-face relationships when leasing your home or looking for a home to lease. In both cases, NEVER SEND MONEY to someone you have not met and verified in person. When searching properties for rent and you find the same property on a leasing company website and Craigslist, always go directly to the leasing company. Renters and landlords may believe they can save money or hassle by working “directly with the landlord”, which is simply not true. Leasing and property management companies must adhere to state guidelines to ensure that all prospective tenants and landlords are treated fairly. They take the extra steps to qualify tenants and to be sure the property for rent is in good condition and fully available to rent. In the long run, you will avoid losing money in unpaid rent as a result of a bad tenant, or rent paid to a landlord who has allowed his property to go into foreclosure.

If you do choose to work directly with the landlord of a property listed for rent, verify that the landlord is, in fact, the owner of the property. You can do this by looking up the address on the county property information website. Ask the landlord to show their identification or driver’s license during your meeting. If your potential landlord doesn’t ask you for an application or care to screen tenants, you may be dealing with a scammer.

As a landlord, require the tenant fill out an application and be sure to check all references, credit reports, criminal histories, and employers. Never sign a lease or turn over keys to your property until your prospective renter’s deposit payment has been verified along with confirmation of their background and employment.

For more information on leasing your property or finding a property to rent, visit http://www.renterswarehouse.com