The IC3 continues to receive complaints regarding rental property scams from victims and real estate agencies. Several real estate agencies reported that their listings are being duplicated to perpetrate fraudulent online postings. These postings have been damaging to their companies reputations. These complaints make it evident that there are many who capitalize on people are looking to rent property and attempt to take advantage of those individuals, especially when they are in pressing situations in which they need to find a residence within a short amount of time.
http://liarcatchers.com/fraud_investigation.html
Below are some scenarios of the scheme recently reported to the IC3:
A fraudster posted rental property online. When the prospective renter inquired about the property via e-mail, the fraudster requested detailed personal information, as well as a security deposit of $1000 to hold the home. Payment, in the form of a money order, was requested because of the “online scams.” After the deposit was received, the fraudster claimed that he mailed the keys and lease agreement for a hard copy to be signed. Later, the victim received an e-mail from an individual posing as the fraudster’s “lawyer” stating a hold had been placed on the package containing the key until the full amount of the first and last month’s rent is paid. The victim realized it was a scam after they contacted the realtor who advised the home had been foreclosed.
Another victim also responded via e-mail to an online post advertising a house for rent. The victim was asked to submit an online credit report. The fraudster then provided a link in his e-mail, allowing the victim’s credit report information to be directly accessible to him.
A complainant had inquired about a condo rental advertised online. The complainant was advised to go to the condo and call the fraudster so he could meet her with the keys. Upon placing the call, no one answered. Later, the fraudster provided the complainant an excuse for not being available and requested the deposit be made through an online payment service. After the deposit was made, the complainant realized it was a scam and contacted the online payment service. Upon an investigation, the receiver of the deposit advised they had been defrauded as well and was only acting as the “pay agent” for the true fraudster.
