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Craigslist Scam!


A close call with Craig's List scam artist

Posted: Feb 10, 2010 6:06 PM CST
 

 

WAUSAU (WAOW) -- A local couple trying to sell their condo is shocked when they find out a complete stranger is trying to rent it out on Craig's list.

Kris Buehler and Rob Fletcher did what most people do when trying to sell their home, they hired a realtor.

Nicki Paul with Heath Tappe & Associates says, "It started out pretty normal.  We took the listing like normal, we set up the advertising like normal.  I set up an open house."

At this point no one had any idea that something was wrong until a woman interested in actually renting the condo walked up and saw this realtor sign.

Paul says, "I get a call from this girl saying so what's the deal? And I asked her what she was referring to and she said that she found an add on Craig's List saying the house was for rent."

The woman interested in renting emailed back and forth with the false owner and even filled out an application.  He claimed to work in West Africa and said if the woman sent $600, he would mail the key.

Fortunately she sensed something was fishy.  An ordeal, disturbing to everyone involved, including the owners of the condo.

Owner Rob Fletcher says, "All we can do is get ahold of Craig's List and tell them to get it off and that's what we did."

They also contacted police, who directed them to the FBI.

Fletcher says, "We filled out a form on the Internet and that's pretty much it.  There's nothing you can do until actually the crime happens."

Fletcher's fiance Kris Buehler says "I was kind of mad, I thought how dare he.  And then I kept thinking about these people with identity theft.  But I was also scared that someone would come knocking on the door and say they were moving in here and then what do you do?"

There's actually a disclaimer at the top of the Craig's List page that says beware of any arrangement involving Western Union, wire transfer, or a landlord or owner who is out of the country or cannot meet you in person.  So it's good to keep that in mind.

Online Reporter: Meg Bonacorsi


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