Warrant Issued For Craigslist Scam Artist
POSTED: Wednesday, July 23, 2008
UPDATED: 12:33 pm EDT July 25,
2008
ROSEVILLE, Mich. -- Prosecutors have issued a warrant for a man wanted in connection with a Craislist home rental scam.Roseville police said Brian Patterson posted an advertisement on Craigslist, announcing he was renting a home for $1,000.A young couple responded to the advertisement and paid the first month's rent and security deposit of $1,000.After handing over the money, the young couple went to the home to move in, but they were greeted by the real homeowner.Police said Patterson used to live in the home but was evicted. Once he got the money, he fled.Local realtor Brian McPhearson has been in the real estate business for 31 years, and said he’s seen this scam many times. Just nine days ago he heard of the scam targeting an unsuspecting family in California."They go to the good looking foreclosed home, remove the sign, have a locksmith, not a licensed locksmith, change the locks," he said."They offer these for less than the market rent so they’re very attractive to the tenant. They get the first months rent deposit in cash, if possible, and then they’re gone.”McPhearson said perhaps the most frightening part is that the scammer has the victims fill out an application that asks for very personal information."Not only do they have their money, social security number but maybe credit card references," he said.Experts suggest that you ask to see proof of home or apartment ownership before agreeing to any arrangements.
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