Take action? Fraudulent CL post using my property

[Joe P.]

Hi all -- I recently rented a property I own, and a tenant I denied (including denial letter) asked me if they could still see the property. I was a bit puzzled, and it turns out that someone took my post and re-posted (at a cheaper rate) on Craigslist. They have my property address listed, took every picture and description I had up, and created their own post.

My guess is they're trying to scam people by having them provide a "hold" for the property without seeing it, but I'm honestly not sure. I tried flagging on Craigslist but that didn't do anything. What I'm worried about is two-fold -- someone coming after me for a scam they're running using my property address (likely), or physically going to my property that is tenant occupied (perhaps less likely).

Part of me wants to take it to the police, but I don't think much can happen with them. Any ideas?

[Troy Sheets]

This happens a lot. It happened to a friend of mine but the scammers broke into the empty apartment, changed the locks and rented it out with a big deposit but low monthly rent. My friend went to check on his apartment and someone is living in it!!! He called the police but now the person living in there is considered a tenant and he's got to evict. What a nightmare. All the above advice is good but don't forget your alarm systems in vacant properties. He normally does but dropped the ball on this one, just this one time, and paid the price.