Scam Alert WWNY

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Attorney General Warns Consumers Of Craigslist Scam

Story Published: Mar 21, 2012 at 2:09 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 21, 2012 at 2:09 PM EDT

The Office of the New York Attorney General is warning people to beware of rental scams on Craigslist.

AG Eric Schneiderman issued a consumer alert Wednesday, saying victims have lost thousands of dollars by paying security deposits to fake landlords.

He said one Fort Drum soldier almost fell victim to the scam.

According to the AG's office, the scam often works like this:

- Scammers will use realtors' multiple listing services to find properties that are legitimately for rent or sale.

- They take the information, change the contact information and offer a much lower price than the original listing.

- Oftentimes, scammers will offer a telephone number without a functioning voicemail setup, causing the potential renter to contact them via email.

- Scammers' emails are typically poorly written and may indicate the "owner" is on a humanitarian mission in another country.

- Emails typically ask for a deposit to be wired in exchange for a key to the house.
 
See the AG's news release
Thursday, June 20, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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