Craigslist Real Estate Scams

Craigslist Real Estate Scams

Craigslist is a great website to find deals on motorcycles, cars, boats, appliances, collectibles, technology, and a variety of other items. Some people make money by purchasing items from craigslist and selling them on EBay and Amazon at higher prices and vice versa.

Craigslist is also used in the real estate industry commonly to list properties for rent and for sale. Many times renters are able to find additional amenities on Craigslist like a washer and dryer included with rent, which typical leasing offices do not offer. It is a preferred method for landlords and private sellers listing their properties since they don’t have to pay for advertising costs or pay Realtor commissions.

Craigslist is a great resource when used correctly but it is also known for scammers and con-artists trying to sell bad products and false services. Con-artists have used Craigslist commonly for real estate scams as well. These scams are designed to have money sent electronically or internationally so that it is difficult to trace. Con-artists will use real property addresses and real pictures of a specific property so be very careful.

Never send money before viewing the interior and meeting the property manager or owner. Many times these con-artists will have an elaborate story as to why they can’t meet prospective buyers or renters. They typically will use excuses like they are out of town on mission trips, out of town for work, or away for a charity cause.

Some signs that a Craigslist ad may be a scam include: extremely low rent for an area, not including a phone number on the ad, the for rent sign in front of the house has a different number then on the ad, asking for money upfront before viewing the property, asking for a social security number and date of birth before viewing the property, or asking the renter/buyer to break into the property.

If you ever come across a real estate scam online asking for money to be wired, immediately contact the local authorities where the property is located. Also report the ad to craigslist so that the con-artist can no longer use their account to rob or scam any unsuspecting people.  Stay safe on the internet and beware of craigslist real estate scams!