These scams use listed property information and target unaware, would-be renters to respond to the rental ads. These scams are happening in every market and there is only limited recourse for REALTORS® and home sellers.
The process WAAR is suggesting at this time is to:
1. Print a PDF of the fraudulent Craigslist posting and email it to rescam@wichita-realtors.com - these emails will be forwarded to the DA's office.
2. Once it has been printed and emailed, mark the posting as "prohibited" in the upper right corner.
On July 22, 2010 the Wichita Eagle ran a story highlighting some of the difficulties that REALTORS® are having with scammers fraudulently posting listings on Craigslist as "for rent".http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/22/1414018/craigslist-real-estate-scam-spreads.html#storylink=misearch
Consider printing the article and use it when talking to your clients to ensure they won't be surprised later if they find out their property has been fraudulently posted on Craigslist and also to highlight that REALTORS® are doing all they can to fight this form of fraud through public awareness and monitoring sites like Craigslist to flag scammers' postings.
Also.
The Chief Attorney with the Office of the District Attorney - Consumer Fraud and Economic Crime Division is looking to talk to members of the public who have either had their property fraudulently listed on Craigslist or provided personal information or paid a deposit on a fraudulently listed property on Craigslist. If you know of one, please have them contact Sharon Werner with the DA’s office and leave her a voicemail message. Her phone number is 316.660.3655 or 800.432.6878.
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