Ideas on preventing Craig's list Ghost Ads (avoiding CL "for rent" scams)

[George P.]

I have had major issues with the last 2 rentals during the last 2 months. One rental was for $1,100 in westland and the other rental is current in Livonia for $1,025.

Both had ghost ads on Craig's list, multiple people were scammed. The Westland police detective even called me while i was at work and asked me questions trying to see if i was the one that scammed those people.  The westland couple was scammed out of $700 and today another woman was scammed out of $800 thinking she's moving in the house tomorrow morning.

I have been thinking of ways to avoid these scams and was wondering if anyone else has other ideas/suggestions.

1. Among the listing pictures on the MLS put a picture that says "This house is not listed on CL, so dont send anyone money unless it's the so and so agent at this brokerage". In our case, it would work because we dont list our houses on CL anymore. of course, this pic would not be used by the scammer, but if they happen to look at it on zillow, it will show up on there. if not, go to option 2

2. Put signs on every window that says the same thing - "This house is not listed on CL, so dont send money to so and so".

3. for those of you that do happen to list their rentals on the MLS, a sign on the window that says "this house is listed for $xxx, do not mail anyone any money claiming they can't show you the house and the key is with them".

would this work? suggestions, ideas?

[Eddie T.]

@George P.

 I have also thought about water marking my phone number on each photo so they can not use my pictures.