Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Local prosecutors are warning consumers about two potential Craigslist scams.

Officials say the scams are fake, costing consumers money.

The first scheme targets people answering job ads on Craigslist for housekeeping and cleaning positions. When the consumer answers the ad, they are sent a fraudulent check and asked to cash it. They are instructed to keep a specific portion of the check and Western Union or Money Gram the remainder to a third party. If you cash this check, within a few days your bank will contact you and demand full refund of the amount of the check cashed.

The District Attorney’s office also says scammers are posting rental properties on Craigslist that are not legitimate. In some ads, the postings show property for addresses that either do no exist, or may exist at a particular address that is not for sale or rent.

The posting is generally accompanied by a fictional story where the homeowner is out of the country with an emergency. The rental price is far below the comparable market rate. The consumer is instructed to fill in what appears to be personal information qualifying the person to rent the home.

This type of scheme is simply a way to either get the consumer to send a deposit or provide personal information to the scamster who posted the fake listing.

Contact the District Attorney’s office at 316-660-3600 if you think you may be a victim of these crimes.