The attached CONSUMER ALERT deals with a new twist in the rental scams that have proliferated on the Internet, especially on Craig's List. Whereas previously the perpetrators have been operating from overseas, now we see local scammers appearing. Anyone attempting to rent or buy a home, condo, etc. should be very cautious. As always, if you have questions call 720-874-8487.
Mason Finks
Director of Consumer Protection
District Attorney's Office
18th Judicial District
Phone: 720-874-8487
A local consumer looking for a home to rent found her dream home in an ad on Craig's List. And the price was within her budget; in fact it was a surprising low rent for a house of this caliber. After getting a tour of the house on two occasions, the victim paid the owner an $1,100 deposit prior to signing a lease.
There was only one problem. She never heard from the "owner" again, and discovered that the woman who took her money was not the owner of the home. The home was listed with a local realtor and was for sale, not rent. Rental scams using the Internet are very common and have previously involved scammers sending e-mails from overseas and money being wired overseas.
This is the first time we have a perpetrator that was actually present at the fake rental site, and who collected the money in person. The District Attorney cautions anyone seeking to rent or purchase a home to take the following precautions:
1. Independently verify that the person who is offering the home is the legal owner of that property. Contact the local County Clerks Office or go to the Clerk's website and determine the legal owner from the property records.
2. Verify the identity of the person who claims to be the owner. Ask for personal identification.
3. Don't rely on pictures of the property provided by the seller. Drive by the property and make sure it exists. If there is a real estate sign in the yard, call the realtor to determine why his/her sign is there.
4. Do not pay any deposits upfront. Funds should only change hands when you know you are dealing with the real owner, the lease is signed and you get possession of the home.
Need help? Call the Consumer Protection Line at 720-874-8547.