As property managers in Iowa City we have seen many abuses of the online listing on Craigslist.  Several times we have been sent unsolicited checks supposedly for security deposits on apartments listed there that exceed the amount of the deposit and first month’s rent.  The sender then requests that we send a portion of that money back so they can use it for travel expenses or some other type of expense.  Some of these checks look very legitimate and come with a letter hoping we will be sympathetic to their circumstance.  These types of fraud are aimed at property management companies.

One of the newest scams preys on the would-be renter.  The scammer steals the information from the on-line listing and inserts their contact information.  Then when contact is made they want you to send money (cash) without any personal contact and or being able to view the property.

You can read a good article on this by going to:  Craigslist Scams

The safest way to find rental property is to make sure you are dealing with a local property management company and always view the apartment, condo, duplex, townhouse or single family home you are interested in.  We at K-rem hope this makes for safer renting.