I try to go through life "expecting" people to be and act good. You know, always assuming intentions are honourable - tending to give people the benefit of doubt. I believe most people are good - until they prove me otherwise.
Yesterday was one of my "otherwise" days.
Let me explain.
I got a call from one of my realtors - she somehow found out one of her listings which she had for sale was being offered for lease on Craigslist. And at a price which was too good to be true. All of her photos and her description of the property were hijacked onto Craigslist as a rental.
Of course, she alerted her seller, and the police as she prepared for her public open house that day. Of concern for her were the people who would be coming to see the house prompted by the bogus ad, and the many more who would just commit to "rent" the property from the ad. The Craigslist ad showcased the address of the property "for rent."
I went to the ad on Craigslist and began an engagement with the "owner" of the rental property. I used an email address which couldn't be traced to me. I wanted to find out how this "guy" played out his scam and hopefully get him to slip up in some way useful to finding him.
My first emails to this guy were pretty basic, of the inquiry type. His response was predictable - "give me your full name" and provide me with references. He said he was concerned about renting to people who wouldn't look after the property - how very considerate of him I thought.
I "told" him I was moving back to Canada from Florida and that this property was perfect for me. Would he hold the property for me until I provided references on Monday? Perhaps I could email him a security deposit.
The security idea worked - he said send him $550.00 to his email account, he provided me with a password and encouraged me to do so as soon as possible.
Perfect I said, so relieved I could have the property - and one other thing I told him. How can I be sure he owned the property? This is when he started going deeper. He said his wife and him only wanted to rent to people who would look after the property and he would never risk his standing at work or in the community by trying to scam someone.
I then sent him the name of the owner of the property, telling him that I found the name by searching the street address. Is this you I asked?
Yup was his reply. Great I said.
At this point I had had enough "fun" with him and sent him an email telling him he was a "scumbag" and that he should watch his back, cause someone was coming for him.
He didn't answer.
A post was placed on Craigslist alerting users of the scam and within hours the bogus ad was taken down. Several people visited the open house with the intent of viewing the "rental" We have been told by the police this jerk and others like him have been scamming people in the area for many weeks now.
Did I accomplish anything by engaging with this guy? I wasn't able to figure out who he was - so other than learning a bit about how he worked the scam - no.
But the event was a sharp reminder to always be on the alert for guys like this. Postings are not always what they appear to be. One should never send money to anyone they "just met" If a price is too good to be true, it isn't.
I have heard of other scams involving the sale of properties - people posing as owners and actually "transferring" title for cash.
Never assume anything - and never ever transfer money or personal information to people unknown to you.
Another great reason to use a realtor to help you.
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