Maine realtor warns of listing being used to rip off renters

PORTLAND (WGME) -- A Maine real estate agent says one of her listings is being used online to rip off renters.

According to the Better Business Bureau, it's a common scam that's fooled millions across the country.

"My listing was a house, a single-family house," realtor Liz Marks said.

Marks said she listed the Portland home for sale a couple of weeks ago.

"They took it the day it went on the market," Marks said.

Turns out, someone else listed it for rent on Craigslist, well below market value.

"Stole my photographs and it took my descriptions to the 'T' and put it right up there," Marks said.

She said a woman who realized it was a scam alerted her to the bogus ad. Marks began her own investigation, with her husband posing as a renter.

In an e-mailed response, the fictitious landlord claimed to be out of state doing charity work.

"He told him to go look through the windows (and) if he saw a real estate sign, to pull it out," Marks said.

After filling out an application, her husband was told he could have the house, as long as he paid a security deposit and first months' rent, totaling $1,500.

"My concern is that they're targeting people who are looking for affordable housing and in the market today, it's hard to find," Marks said.

The BBB released a study this week about the scam, finding more than 5 million renters across the U.S. have fallen victim, losing an average of $400.

"No one's every gonna say, 'Oh just go look through the windows. Send me a refundable deposit,'" Marks said.

If you're looking for a rental, the BBB says to watch out for these red flags:

• A request for payment through Western Union, money gram or a gift card.
• Rent well below market rates.
• A reason why you can't see the unit in person

Marks said she reported the post to Craigslist, but it hasn't been taken down.

She hopes word will get out so no one loses their savings, especially around the holidays.