WOODSTOCK — Police are warning the public regarding a rental scam in Woodstock posted on Craigslist.
The victim was scammed after sending payment for an apartment they had not seen in person.
The scammer used a variety of tactics, such as insisting on shipping the keys to the apartment, requesting payment through Western Union, and offering a fake cashier’s check.
According to Craigslist, there are several ways to avoid being scammed, such as dealing locally and face-to-face, not providing payment to anyone you have not met in person, and refusing to rent or purchase sight-unseen.
Craigslist advises users to be cautious of email or text from someone that is not local to their area, vague initial inquiries, and requests for payment via Western Union or MoneyGram.
In addition, they warn against accepting cashier/certified checks, or money orders, as banks can cash fakes and hold the recipient responsible.
The Internet Fraud Complaint Center and the FTC complaint form and hotline 877-FTC-HELP are resources for those who have been defrauded, and users are encouraged to contact their local police department if they have been defrauded by someone they met in person.
