Debra Walsh wrote a post about rental properties on Craigslist. These rental ads are being hijacked by other agents and they are creating their own ad and they even lower the rental price! They do this to get/steal leads from the originating broker/agent. So, be careful out there in Craigslist Land!
Several weeks ago I received an email regarding a property I was listing for rent.
Debbie Walsh,
From: Name changed to protect their identity
Email: omitted
Message:
I am interested in viewing this property. Please send me more information about blank property. I have spoken with the owner of this property through email already but it is difficult with getting emails quickly with him being out of the US therefore I figured I would contact you about it. On the website it states that it is $900 month and he wrote to me in an email as well as on craigslist where I found it that it was $550 with utilities included. Please let me know any information you have on this home because I am very eager to take a look at it and possibly move in ASAP. Thank you in advance.
Now this note was very strange to me for several reasons. One, the owner is not out of the country, Two, the owner is not a male and Three, how would this person have had contact with the owner? I quickly sent my own note back to this person.
Hi Ron,
I am not sure what you are referring to as the owner is neither male nor out of the country. The listing is attached with full information. The rent is $900 per month plus utilities which are oil and electric. I am the listing agent for this property so all questions should be directed to me. I am guessing that maybe someone was giving you false information. Feel free to call with any questions. Thanks and have a great day!
Almost immediately I received a reply.
Hello again,
Thank you for getting back to me. I had originally found the house on craigslist and emailed a gentleman through there where he continued to tell me all about the place as well as the rent price and utilities. After finding it on your website I contacted you immediately. Thank you for your help and I wanted to let you know that there is someone out there taking credit for this home that does not own it.
Thanks again,
Ron
I then emailed this person back and forth several times and was able to get the copy of the ad they responded to and the "landlord's" email address. This person had copied my ad almost exactly, pictures included and then inserted their information for email etc... Luckily this particular "tenant" saw this listing on my website and was smart enough to question the differences in price etc..
Very long story short our office contacted our local police and Craigs List and hopefully there is one less scammer out there. Be aware of what you are looking at when you answer ads!
Debra Walsh, GRI, ABR, CHMS, REM | Office (845) 928-8000 | email me
website www.orangenyhouses.com | search for homesIf you are Buying, Selling or Relocating to the Hudson Valley area and need help from a professional REALTOR®, I would be happy to assist you! Please visit my Hudson Valley website for property searches and to sign up for free listing alerts and other information.
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