Fraudulent Craigslist Rental Listings
HOW TO HANDLE THIS FREQUENT SCAM
Below are some steps you can take if your listing is part of a Craigslist rental scam or if you know of someone that has fallen victim to a rental scam.
1. Make a screen shot (use your Print Screen button on your keyboard/paste into a word document) of the listing ASAP. Scammers often post a listing very briefly then take it down as soon as they receive a response. You may need this information to report fraud.
2. Alert Craigslist by flagging the post as ‘prohibited’ (upper right corner).
3. Send details to abuse@craigslist.org. Be sure to include the URL (or 10‐digit post ID number) in your message.
4. Contact the seller to alert them of the false Craigslist posting.
5. Follow up on Craigslist and review the site to ensure the faulty posting is removed.
6. Do periodic internet searches to ensure your properties are accurately listed on authorized sites.
7. Do NOT attempt to contact or “set up” the scammer or jeopardize your safety.
8. Report the issue to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
a. Internet Crime Complaint Center
9. Educate your clients and potential clients! Unfortunately, scams like these are in the news all of the time because people continue to fall victim to them. Help share tips on how to avoid and report home rental scams.
10. Here are additional resources, tips and information regarding housing and rental scams:
b. Keys to Avoiding Home Rental Scams
Document originally created by Dan Sale, former AE of CAAR. Revised by RAR 5-26-20