According to the Register’s article, scammers look for real estate listings on websites like Craigslist and realtor pages. They gather information like the address, neighborhood and even photographs of the inside and outside of those homes and other dwellings. These criminals then re-post ads claiming that the properties are for rent. Once they get a rentor into an agreement, the scammer not only collects deposits and rent, but often make excuses as to why they aren’t able to meet the new tenant in person or give them keys to the property. Often, those who are scammed call a locksmith to get them into their new rental property only to find out that their ‘new home’ is already occupied by its true owner. Their money and dreams are gone, and so is the scammer.
