This scam has finally hit Omaha, Nebraska. Thank you , Shawn Murray, with Remax The Producers for contacting the media so the community won't fall for it.
Vacant homes for sale are being advertised FOR RENT on Craigslist. The scammer is not in town to show the house and has the rental deposit sent to Nigeria.
If you are looking for a local home rental, Craigslist is a terrific resource. Just make sure you protect yourself. View the home before sending money and make sure you meet the owner or rental company in person at the home.
Renters can also use technology to protect yourself, too.
1. Google the property address to see if the home is listed online. If the home is listed elsewhere online, is it for sale or for rent? Is the contact information on all listings the same? If not, ask questions.
2. Check the county assessor's site to determine if you are dealing with the actual home owner.
Douglas County Assessor Sarpy County Assessor
3. Call your local real estate office to see if the home is for sale. If it is, contact the listing agent to find out if the owner is indeed offering it for rent.
Realtors, would you like to know how you can help get rid of this scam? Set up a Google Alert on the property address of your listings and you'll be notified when there are new search results of your property addresses. If you find your listing is being falsly advertised for rent, Craigslist advises:
"If you suspect that an item posted for sale on craigslist may be part of a scam, please email the details to "abuse@craigslist.org". Be sure to include the URL (or eight-digit post ID number) in your message."
Craigslist recommendations on avoiding scams
Learn how to set up a Google Alert here! David Matney, with Alliance Real Estate, has a terrific tutorial on how to set up a Google Alert.
Flickr Image Credit: jepoirrier
