Craigslist's popularity is also the appeal for perpetrators who use a variety of tricks to use the site to separate you from your hard-earned money. There's the clever real-estate scam that puts pictures of actual listings on sale for well-below market costs. People who put down a deposit .... just lost it. EBay sometimes gets wrapped into the fold. Scammers put items up for sale on Craigslist and then direct interested buyers to what they think is an ebay page. However, as they enter their info, they're unknowingly typing into the scammer's trap. Lastly, a classic "overpay scam" is hitting college campuses hard. Supposed roommates from overseas will mail you a housing security deposit for way more than the amount owed. They then contact the receiver, asking them to wire back the remaining money for a plane ticket or whatever. Too bad the bad check bounces days later and the receiver is out some books and beer money.
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Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Houston Association of REALTORS®