SOMEONE IS TRYING TO RENT MY HOUSE OUT!!

Today this guy stops by my house and asks me if my house is for rent. I said no, I said, it only for sale. He says he saw it on craigslist and he spoke with the owner (on the phone, from out of state) and they told him to stop by and look at it. He says he sure it's this house and described my house etc. He says the rent is $800 (why the heck would there be a whole house rental for only $800??). OMG!!!! SO scary! I wasn't thinking clearly b/c I was home alone with the kids and I just wanted this guy off my property. Although clearly he fell for a scam but it's scary to be home alone with a man at your door.

I called my realtor and she says that she received a phone call today from another realtor asking to show the house and his clients had said THEY saw the ad on craigslist that my house was for rent too. She asked him to get the craigslist ad but it was already flagged/pulled off craigslist.

I don't know what to think now. Locked the side gate and told the kids don't open the doors for anyone.

Re: SOMEONE IS TRYING TO RENT MY HOUSE OUT!!

Its a common scam, unfortunatly.

Be VERY aware to NEVER open your door to someone you dont know.

Ther is not much more you can do.

Re: SOMEONE IS TRYING TO RENT MY HOUSE OUT!!

Rental Scam Tips for Property Owners
Keep a watchful eye on your home. If you don't live nearby, consider hiring a home watch service to periodically check the home for odd activity.
Change the locks frequently if you rent the property often. If your previous tenants kept a copy of the keys, they have access to the home!
Ask potential tenants for references and follow up by checking them.
Verify your tenant's employment by contacting their employer.
Run a credit check on potential tenants before renting to them.
Don't let a tenant pay more than you asked for then demand a refund. If you give it to them, you're out the money.
Use Google or another search engine to look up the name, phone number, and prior address. While you're at it, check police records to find out if you're dealing with a known criminal.

This may seem like a lot of work but much of it can be done quickly in front of your computer. If you ask anyone that's been bilked out of their rent money, they'll tell you it's time well spent.

Re: SOMEONE IS TRYING TO RENT MY HOUSE OUT!!

Re: SOMEONE IS TRYING TO RENT MY HOUSE OUT!!

Do some research and just be careful.

Message edited 5/15/2012 12:22:19 PM.

Re: SOMEONE IS TRYING TO RENT MY HOUSE OUT!!

Hi I am a licensed Realtor and this happened to one of my rentals. I dont just flag the ads I report them. It just happened to another Realtor whose rental was 2400 and the scammer was offering it all included for 1250 in Massapequa. The people who are scamming are living in Africa and they actually sent their foreign phone number and mailing address in their reply emails. My customer called them and someone picked up the phone. I hope they get caught. Check craigslist daily using the information on your home for sale and report them and flag. Maybe ask the realtor who is selling your home not to advertise on CL.