Vineyard Agent Warns of Craigslist Rental Scam

Craigslist is full of rental offers. But not all of them are legitimate, according to a Facebook update from the Homes on Martha's Vineyard realty business managed by Susan L. Cahoon:

"I've had 3 phone calls from people who see a rental posted on Craig's List for a home in Edgartown available for $1,000 per month. It's a summer rental listing we have that is $3,800 per week!

The scammer takes the photos we've posted (not on Craig's List) and creates an ad with those photos and info. They ask that you send a deposit to somewhere in Egypt.

Fortunately the people I spoke with were savvy enough to smell a rat! My name was in there somewhere (one thing that internet exposure can't prevent) so these people called me. I quickly set them straight. I then went onto Craig's List, found the ad and reported it as a fraud and a scam.

One of the disturbing things for me was that the person who answered the phone at the international number listed said they were my husband! Yikes. So, that's what is new in rental scams for this year. Every year there's something new. Be cautious."

Have you ever encountered a rental scam, on or off the Vineyard? Tell us in the comments.

To find legitimate summer and year-round rentals, check out our always-updated widget: 

• What's For Rent on Martha's Vineyard?

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• Finding a Year-Round Rental on Martha's Vineyard

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