A new scam, pervasive on Craigslist, is swindling even savvy would-be renters.
ADA COUNTY, Idaho — Ada County’s punishing rental market is taking another hit as online scammers prey on people searching for housing. The Ada County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning Thursday about people posing as homeowners on Craigslist and rental sites.
Often, the scammer will list houses to rent for under-market prices, and persuade victims to pay security deposits and first months’ rent. It is not until later that the would-be renter realizes that the person they were corresponding with does not actually own the property, leaving them out hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
According to the sheriff’s office, criminals will review legitimate rentals on sites like AH4rent or Rently, then register as a real estate with those sites, giving them access to lockbox codes.
Those pictures, addresses, and home information are copied into a Craigslist ad, with contact info for the fake “owner.”
Once prospective renters reply to the ad, the scammer makes arrangements to meet at the house – only to call last minute and say they cannot make it. The fake owner gives victims the code for the lockbox and tells them to let themselves in and look around, convincing even savvy renters that…
