BBB warns of scammers who use Craigslist
Craigslist users often like the convenience and low cost of the person-to-person market place. Unfortunately, some transactions turn out to be scammer-to-person instead.
Two types of scams in particular seem to aim more for the moderate-to-low income individuals who are looking for either a place to rent or for a roommate to help them share living expenses.
The recent victimization of a consumer in Omaha who lost $2,500 reveals the workings of a roommate scammer.
“ANNMARIE”
The Omaha World-Herald recently reported the story of a resident who answered a Craigslist profile ad that purported to be from a Canadian seeking to re-locate in Omaha. “AnnMarie” convinced the consumer that she would be a reliable roommate and sent money orders totaling $2,796 to cover rent and moving expenses.
The victim deposited the money in her own account and as instructed by “AnnMarie,” sent $1,650 by MoneyGram to a San Diego “mover.” Supposedly he had halted his moving trip until he received the payment. More requests for payments soon came, saying the “mover” had miscalculated the amount and needed an additional sum.
Suspicion finally led the victim to try to call “AnnMarie.” She found the phone number to be available only for text messaging. Her bank informed her that the money orders were fake and she was responsible for paying back the funds herself. The victim was reported to be “desperately struggling and scared.” The scammer even went so far as to taunt the victim after being found out.
Roommate scams happen two ways: As in the case of “AnnMarie,” the scammer can place a fake profile ad on Craigslist and wait to hook in victims like the Omaha woman. The other method is for the scammer to respond to a legitimate ad seeking a roommate. Either way, the intent is devious and sometimes devastating.
The BBB warns that any correspondence requesting advanced payment, wire-transferred funds or pre-paid debit cards like the Green Dot card, should be viewed skeptically.
HOME RENTAL SCAMS
Scammers on Craiglist also listings of terrific-sounding residences that are for rent at very reasonable rates. These scammers usually are either trying to swindle you out of a “fee” for a fictional credit check or they want to steal your identity.
The consumerist.com website has identified 5 signs that an ad for a rental house is a scam:
— The house sounds wonderful, but there are no photographs. There may be legitimate listings that don’t post photos or addresses, but generally the practice should raise a red flag.
_ The email used by the person who posted the listing doesn’t sound like a person’s name. That may be an indicator that it is an auto-generated email account, preferred.
— The ad promises that the owner will pay for an overly generous number of things, like lawn care and trash service. They may promise that pets are OK and deposits are low or payable in installments. This type of ad is obviously created to appeal to the maximum number of potential victims.
— There is a promise that bad credit and even a few previous ejections are no problem. — They aren’t willing to reveal the house’s address until you reply to their ad, perhaps by going to a website and filling out a “free credit report.” That report’s sole purpose is to steal your identity.
The BBB warns that while there are bargains on Craigslist, there also are scammers. Keep the above tips in mind when you search for a roommate or for a rental on the site. If you have questions, contact your local BBB at (800) 856-2417 or visit www.kansasplains.bbb.org.