The Better Business Bureau said scammers are targeting renters posting homes on Facebook and Craig’s List.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — As many search for affordable rentals in what officials have called a ‘housing crisis,’ those renters will need to keep an eye out for scammers.
According to the Better Business Bureau, the types of scams can be commonly found on Facebook, in community groups, or on Craig’s List.
In Columbia, real estate agents are noticing that many scam ads are taken directly from their websites.
Olivia Cooley with Olivia Cooley Real Estate said she has first-hand experience with scammers taking listings off of her website.
“And so we’ve had had many instances where we listed a property for sale, and then we start getting calls into our office because consumers looking to rent a property have seen the homes on Craig’s List or something like that,” Cooley said.
In Lexington Wendy Weeden. with Exit Real Estate Consultants, said she experienced something similar.
When the renters called about the property it was too late because they already put money down with the scammers.
Weeden said there are red flags…
