Craigslist.org

Victim Location 85050

Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order

Used Craigslist to try and sell two items and had the same experience on both items. I received text messages in a very short time (5 min) on the first item where the person stated that they were from out-of-state and moving and wanted to buy my table and chair set. They would pay full price with a cashier’s check. All they needed was a name for the check and a place to send it, which I provided. The next day, text was sent from a different phone number stating that they needed to change to their personal cell phone. They indicated that the check was sent but their secretary made a mistake in the amount. At this point I asked them to provide me with an address to return the check and they stated that I could deposit the full amount and money gram back the difference minus a fee for my inconvenience. I was already suspicious of both transactions and the similar pattern that occurred. Reading more online, I saw that this is a common scam on Craigslist. I actually did receive a check and started to review it. It is written from a real bank, proper routing code, and drafted against a real company. I didn’t see a watermark and under the amount it says "Valid after 90 Days" and the check was for $800 more than the requested purchase price.

Other items that I noted were poor grammar, misspelled words, both stated that their secretary would send the check, and the one check was sent out FedEx overnight.

Victim Location 85282

Type of a scam Rental

My family and I fell victims to a Craigslist scam here in Tempe, AZ. We contacted the add we found on Craigslist for $900 a month- $900 deposit. Well the supposed "landlord" whomever we had contacted through the add. He told us he would email more information about his home. And gave us the lock box code to view the home. Also mentioned that when we go by the house we will see the previous real estate sign and do not contact because he plans on paying off their commission. PRS Properties is the agency with the home "legitimately". Now prior to me sending this supposed "landlord" my money I was weary so I contacted the PRS agency and said I was planning on sending money to a "Rob** Gar***" I needed to verify he was in fact the one to take payments. I felt weird. I did not receive a call back from the agency so the following two days I went forth with my transaction. Now, the 3rd day we were already moved into the home completely and the utilities were not turned on as part of his agreement. Then I finally received a call from PRS telling me I have been scammed they have someone coming to the home the next two days. So if that was the case. Why was I not informed previous when I called and had mentioned I was about to give my money for a property. To me I feel the company was involved. Whether or not they are. They still need more security to their homes. So just know that garbage codes and lock box codes are almost always public from these companies so a scammer can copy and paste and use everything. Buyers beware. Do not SEND ANY MONEY. DO NOT BUY ANY GIFT CARDS. IT IS A SCAM. REPORT TO POLICE IMMEDIATLY. AND REPORT THE COMPANY ASSOCIATED BECAUSE THEY DO NOT SEEM TO DO ANYTHING TO PREVENT THESE MATTERS FROM HAPPENING OVER AGAIN.