Craigslist con artists are targeting Palm Beach County by taking advantage of former homeowners seeking cheap leases and current owners who need help paying boom-time mortgages.
One version of the scam uses photos of real homes for rent, but at steeply reduced prices. The contact information may include the true homeowner’s name or other legitimate information to camouflage the fraud from even savvy searchers.
But terms of the bargain-basement lease are typically the same; send the money, we’ll send you the keys. The scammers often claim to be missionaries or other aid workers, who are stationed out of the country and need to rent their home.
Even more sinister, their e-mails are sprinkled with “God bless you’s,” and the alleged preference that the tenant has “the fear of God.”
Craigslist clearly posts scam warnings on its listings, including advice to avoid dealing with a landlord or owner who is out of the country or cannot meet you in person.
There is also the option of working with a more closely regulated site such as Realtor.com or HomeAway.com, which offers a refund of up to $1,000 if a fraud occurs.
The Austin, Texas-based HomeAway deals primarily with vacation rentals, but occasionally facilitates long-term leases.
Landlords pay an average $300-per-year to list their home on HomeAway, or its affiliated sites VRBO.com and VacationRentals.com.
Where to report Craigslist scams:
- e-mail abuse@craigslist.org
- Federal Trade Commission, 877-382-4357 or www.FTC.gov
- Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov
Recognizing scams:
- Inquiry from someone in another country.
- Request for Western Union, Money Gram, cashier’s check, or a money order.
- Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face.
