craigslist scam

[Jean-Marie Poth]

Hi all!  I just bought my first property and have gotten lots of responses from various online sites like zillow and craigslist.  What I am wondering is if anybody has ever dealt with people working a scam on their ad.  

Here is what happened.  My listing is for $1200 rent, but I kept getting phone calls about rent for $785.  They were seeing this on Craigslist.  Then today, I happened to be at the house and a couple was waiting outside to meet someone.  They said they talked to someone who had asked if they would be able to bring the deposit.  

I texted the number she had for the guy and have not heard back nor have I been able to find his "ad" on CL.  Very odd and creepy...

Would love to hear if anyone has dealth with something similar or how to safeguard against that.  Thank you!

[Mindy Jensen]

@Jean-Marie Poth, The best thing to do is not give the EXACT address in your listing, but the nearest cross streets. Also, do not use a photograph of the outside front of the house.

It is so unfortunate, but a reality.

You could also post a sign on the inside of the front window, stating the rent. Maybe even give YOUR phone number and say any other number is a scammer. 

I'm sorry you're going through this.