Nigerian Scams Target Redding Renters
INDUSTRY NEWS, REAL ESTATE PRACTICE, SHASTA COUNTY
March 8th, 2010
I walked into the office this morning to a note from our receptionist from a woman who wanted more information about the home for rent in Stanford Hills. The woman was told the owner had to leave in a hurry for South Africa and wanted to rent the luxury home at a bargain rate. The woman was instructed to wire funds and upon receipt by the owner the keys would be in the mail.
Only one problem here-the home is for sale, not for rent. The owner still occupies the home and knows nothing about it being for rent. Fortunately, this renter knocked on the door and was informed of these facts before any money changed hands. Now knowing it was a scam, she emailed the fellow from Nigeria saying she wanted the rental and just needed to know where to send the money. He quickly provided the instructions which were handed over to local law enforcement authorities.
For unknown reasons, Nigerians have targeted renters in our area. They first peruse the homes for sale on Craigslist, cut and paste photos and property details to a Home For Rent ad and re-post to Craigslist. They typically select an upscale home then attach a below market rent hoping to make the rental look like a bargain. The better they make the deal look, the more likely someone will sight unseen send money for keys before waking up to the fact they have just been scammed.
Anyone coming across a suspicious ad should:
- Ask for a personal showing of the property for rent. If the owner can’t make it, ask that someone else show you the home. If this can’t be done, a big “red flag” should go up.
- If the home is occupied, knock on the door and explain you heard the home was for rent. The occupant should be able to tell you if it is a ruse or not.
- If the home is vacant, call a local real estate agent to see if it is listed for sale or lease. You can also ask the agent to confirm the legal owner’s name and address, which all local agents have access to.
- Do not send money to anyone without a signed rental agreement and keys in hand. This should take place at the property to be rented.
- Call the Shasta County real estate fraud unit at 530-245-6350 with details of suspected scams.
I find it amazing that these con artists can pull this off. Are Americans that gullible? The old adage-if it sounds too good to be true, it’s not true-certainly applies here!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL LIVING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
MORE THAN 25 YEARS LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Great to see you back. And again with an interesting post.
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