Post on Craigslist?

5 Rules for Avoiding Craigslist Scams

Posted on 28. Jan, 2011 by Mary Girsch-Bock in Marketing

In the last few years, Craigslist has become an indispensable resource for just about anything. One of their most popular sections is Apts/Housing, which covers everything from monthly move-in specials to single family home rentals. While property management companies advertising larger, multi-unit apartment rentals have little to worry about, the single family homes category is ripe with scammers looking to rip potential renters off.
One of the most popular scams involves posting under-market homes for rent. The listing appears professional, with high-quality photos frequently included. The only problem is that the home is not owned or managed by the person listing it! Instead, they wait until someone shows interest in the property, and then convince them to wire a deposit to their bank in order to hold the rental.
The other scam, which happened just a few days ago in Albuquerque, NM, has a bogus home renter provide keys to a home that had been foreclosed. The scammers broke into a lockbox, removed the keys and gave them to the family eager to rent the home, only after receiving both first and last month rental deposits.
These scams do not affect legitimate property management companies directly. Many management companies consider Craigslist a very good way to market home rentals online. But like any other Internet site, property managers need to proceed with caution when placing properties on the Craigslist.

1. Limit the information you post online. When listing a rental home, list the area, post some photos, but don’t include a street address. If someone is interested, they will contact you. This eliminates possible vandalism, particularly if the home is vacant.
2. Get as much information as possible from anyone showing an interest in the home. Casual inquiries are just that. For those who wish more detailed information about the home, be sure to collect personal information from them, particularly those wishing to view the home.
3. If possible, always take someone with you when showing a home.
4. When accepting deposits, don’t assume that a money order is risk-free tender. There have been several instances of counterfeit money orders being used for rental deposits. Wait until the money order clears before issuing keys.
5. As with anyone or anything, be leery of an offer that appears too good to be true.

Remember, it helps everyone if Craigslist scammers are exposed. There is a place for legitimate property managers on Craigslist. Ridding the site of scammers will give your listings and your company the credibility that it deserves.
http://www.propertymanager.com/2011/01/5-ways-property-managers-avoid-craigslist-scams/