Scammer targeting local renters on Craigslist

Scammer targeting local renters on Craigslist

Tools

Story Published: Feb 22, 2008 at 11:54 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 23, 2008 at 12:31 AM PDT

By KOMO Staff

Watch the story
BURIEN, Wash. -- One woman has been getting knocks on her door from potential tenants who are willing to pay thousands to rent her home. The only problem is she isn't looking for any tenants.

Julie McEachern started getting visits and phone calls from people wanting to rent her Burien home, which is for sale, not for rent.

"They were confused when they saw the for sale sign," she said.

It turns out the potential tenants were responding to an ad on Craigslist, which took words from her own home sales ad.

"They just plagiarized my online ad and used the same language for a Craigslist ad," she said.

The fake ad caught the eyes of several people who filled out rental applications.

"(I thought) oh, perfect, a home right by the daycare," said Angela McCann. "And it was a good price."

McCann sent off the application, not knowing she was turning over personal information to a scammer.

"Scary," she said. "It's scary for me because what are they going to do with the information they're getting?"

McCann started get suspicious when the fake landlord wanted $2,000 upfront and claimed he couldn't show the house because he was on a three-year mission trip to England.

"Nobody rents without giving someone a walk through," McCann said.

The scam inspired McEachern to do a little online shopping. She found another Craigslist ad for a home in California posted by the same e-mail as the scammer who copied her ad.

She and McCann just hope no one falls into the scammer's trap.

"It opened my eyes," said McEachern.

"I feel relieved that i saw the red flags," McCann said.

Anyone can find out who owns certain pieces of property on the Web site of the county property assessor.

And renters should always check out a rental property in person. Even without an appointment, renters can always knock on the door and find out whether the property is really for rent.

Weather & Traffic

Icon
Current Temp 63.0 °F
Mostly Cloudy
More Weather

Weather & Traffic

More Weather

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Marketplace