PROVIDENCE —
Searching for a new home could cost you your identity, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin warns.
Kilmartin on Friday issued a consumer alert, warning people to be wary.
“Scam artists are posting fake rental properties on CraigsList, luring people to provide personal information — including social security numbers and bank routing and credit card numbers — on false rental agreements,” Kilmartin stated.
Identity Theft Rental Property Scam
The scammers, Kilmartin said, copy the ads for property offered for rent but at lower rates. Some victims report they were reassured when they went to the address listed and found that it existed and was available.
Once a prospective renter replies to the ad, the scammers ask for personal information and a deposit paid by credit card.
All of the transactions take place by internet, Kilmartin said.
He advised prospective renters to insist on telephone numbers and physical addresses of the renter and to tour the property in person with the renter or his or her agent before providing any personal information.
“Be leery if the listing mentions the owner is out of the country or about the leave the country and needs to rent the property right away,” Kilmartin stated.
He also advised people to get a written lease and to read it.
“Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he stated.
Anyone who suspects they have been scammed can contact the federal Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. In Rhode Island, call the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Unit at 401-274-4400 or email contactus@riag.ri.gov.
