Craig’s List Rental Scam is Active In Corvallis Oregon

The Craigs List rental property scam is active and targetingInternet Crook victims in Corvallis, Oregon

(and likely many other communities in the US.)

Don’t let this happen to you. This isn’t really anything new, but I think it’s good to remind the public.  Be careful.

Here’s how it works.

1. Scammer, likely in a foreign country (like Nigeria), but hard to say because they use the internet as a tool. Steals the information from “for sale” properties and posts it on Craig’s List as a “for rent” property.

2. Scammer steals photos from MLS or other on-line sources to include with the post (tip, often the photos have a copyright logo on them.)

3. Scammer targets vacant homes, but sometimes includes occupied homes.

4. Scammer makes rent rate “too good to be true”.  If it’s too good to be true, it likely isn’t.

5. Unsuspecting victim contacts scammer who proceeds to say that they’re out of the country, feel free to look around the house, etc.  Get back to them. 

6. Scammer is very convincing.

7. Unsuspecting victim sends scammer money (wire or other means.)

8. Unsuspecting victim send scammer rental application (form with personal information including signature, social security number, bank account information, drivers license copy or number.)

9. Scammer takes money or steals identity or both.

Things you can do to verify that you’re dealing with a legitimate party:

1. Google the property address to see if it’s listed for sale (the scammer will tell you that the listing is over, that they’ve decided to rent, you can call the real estate agent involved to confirm that information.)

2. Look up the property address on the County tax rolls to see if the person offering to rent it actually is the owner.

3. Don’t send money out of the country for this kind of scheme.  Most property owners that are out of the country hire property managers to help them.  It’s very difficult to manage a rental from afar.

4. Follow the advice in the Craig’s List | about Scams page

Don’t let this happen to you!

You will not get your money back.  No one but the person that took it from you, owes it to you.

You could have to deal with long term ramifications of identity theft.  See FTC site on How to Avoid Identy Theft.

Local Police/Authorities cannot help you if the scammer is not in the community they serve.

 

Identity Theft: Part III Keep Your Computer Safe

Keys on ComputerMany people are afraid thieves will somehow get their information off of the computer. This is possible for them to do, but there are ways to protect yourself. Some people find that installing anti-virus, anti-spy ware, firewall protection and hardware firewalls is over-kill. In reality, when protecting your personal information you should always err on the side of caution.

  • When setting up wireless Internet access, educate yourself on wireless security.
  • Store your backed-up data away from your computer.
  • Never open an e-mail from someone you don’t know.
  • Never open attachments unless you know where it is coming from. Make sure you set up Windows to show all file extensions.
  • Make sure you set up your browser to block pop-ups.
  • Never use your credit card on a website that does not direct you to a secure page with a URL starting with https://.
  • Use different passwords for every single site you use that asks for one. Always mix letters and numbers to make up that password.
  • Never keep financial information on your hard drive.

For more information on Computer Safety go to Internet Safety Solutions.

Identity Theft Part II: Ways To Make Sure It Never Happens To You

Money and Credit CardStatistics show that around 5% of reported identity theft case victims are children. The reason your child is a target is because the crime will very likely go undetected for years. Most do not realize it until they are in college and apply for their first credit card, and find then that they have been victimized. Take heart, there are many ways to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Here are some of them:

  • Create a list of every credit card number and bank card that you keep in your wallet.
  • Never keep your social security card or any information with your social security number on it in your wallet.
  • Never give out any private information on your e-mail.
  • Cease all bank and credit card mailings.
  • Always reconcile your bank statements and go over your credit card statements. Some thieves start small, to find out who pays attention.
  • Keep your car registration and car insurance together in a closed envelope, hidden away in your car. Be sure to always lock your car.
  • Try never to use a public computer for business use or to make a purchase.
  • Memorize your ATM pin, and make sure no one is standing nearby when you use your ATM card.
  • Never save financial information on your cell phone.
  • Never apply for a job on-line, unless the employer has a verifiable address.

For more information about safer online banking go to going paperless.

Identity Theft Part I: Learn All Of The Ways That Thieves Can Steal Your Personal Information

PadlockIdentity theft has become a very serious problem in the United States. Thieves are not only stealing your personal information for themselves, but many simply sell it on the black market to another thief. They are using this personal information not only to obtain cash and credit cards, but high-cost medical procedures as well. There are a myriad of ways that thieves can steal your private information. Be aware of the following threats, take action to avoid them and do not provide confidential information unless you initiate the contact.  Your bank, the IRS and other “official” entities will never ask for personal data over the phone or internet.

  • Phishing: This is an e-mail in your Inbox that claims to be from either your bank, Paypal or Ebay, or other online service. They then ask you to click on a link and enter your personal information.
  • Spoofing and Pharming: Thieves can actually redirect legitimate website traffic to an imposter site, where they will ask you to enter your personal information.
  • Spyware: It is very common for people to mistakenly download illicit software and find themselves accidentally clicking on a pop-up. This opens the door for thieves to steal your credit card numbers and passwords by accessing information on your hard drive.
  • Vishing: This is “voice phishing”, which is when a thief sends you a phone message asking you to key in your personal information.
  • Bank card skimming: Thieves actually add a fake ATM slot and camera to a legitimate cash machine so they can copy your account information. Servers at restaurants can also be armed with a portable card reader.
  • Thieves try to steal your wallet and can also go through your garbage for personal information.

If you are concerned that you are an Identity theft victim go to the Federal Trade Comission website for more information.