PSL Police ask you to BEWARE of Craigslist rental SCAMS
Port St Lucie, Fl- The Port St. Lucie Police Department is warning residents of Craigslist Rental Scams. Be on high alert if the rental seems too good to be true!
Here’s an example of how the scam plays out: The suspect posts an ad “FOR RENT” on a property of interest for a ‘CHEAP PRICE”, which lures the customer/victim in contacting the suspect by email or phone. The victim requests to view the property if still available for rent. The suspect then provides the customer/victim with a “PIN CODE’ that allows access to unlocking of the security device (box) placed on a door. Now the customer/victim has access into the rental and believes because they were granted access; it’s a legit deal and therefore enter into a false contract with the suspect. The suspect then requests the monthly payment and security deposit. Eventually, an agent from the property who conducts scheduled inspections uncovers the scam resulting in the customer/victim who was scammed, calling 911 to file an incident report.
Police urge our citizens to deal with individuals face to face and be on the lookout for cloned listings- scammers will create a look alike rental ad, but only to lure the victim in with a cheaper price than the price on the legitimate rental ad. Also, citizens need to watch out for the request of advance wire transfer payments.
