Someone using my rental property listing to scam renters

[Kevin Means]

Just listed my property the other day and had some showings but a bunch of people have come due to someone posting my property through Facebook marketplace and Craigslist which I wasn’t using. Telling them they aren’t in town and to look the windows if they want to see it or someone told themsomeone would be there in their place (I was there). Luckily I had caught a lot people and told them what was going on but I don’t want people to fall for this when I’m not there. What can I do about this? Looks like they’ve taken them down now because one person called them out. Could I be in any trouble if someone does fall for it and gives this person a deposit?

[Mary Aviles]

I agree with everyone that one of the best deterrents is to watermark your photos. But they didn't say with what. Add your name/company name and phone number, which of course means scammers can't then use their own information.

The second thing to do is to add an alarm system. The best for vacant properties is Simplisafe, because it uses cell phone towers instead of WiFi, which vacant properties don't have. You can buy new and used systems and components on Craigslist and OfferUp to save money. It's $15/month without the app and $25/month with the app. And you can start and stop service anytime you want. An added benefit is personal safety during showings.