Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008

Scam Alert: Landlord beware

THE SCAM: Overpaid rental

HOW IT WORKS: Sometimes trying to rent a home, or vacation cabin, can attract con artists. In these schemes, the scammer contacts the person who listed the property for rent and expresses interest. Often, the scammer will send a check for the full rental amount, plus security deposit. The scammer then has second thoughts but "allows" the property owner to keep the security deposit, asking only for the difference to be sent back. The first check is a phony, but the scammer counts on the victim not learning that until after sending a "refund."

WHAT'S AT STAKE: Your money

HOW TO BEAT IT: If the person sends money without seeing the property or negotiating other parts of the deal, be cautious. As a precaution, don't deposit the check. As always, if the rent offer seems too quick and easy to be true, it probably is.

Contact Bee staff writer Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer@modbee.com or 578-2331.

For past Scam Alerts, go to www.modbee.com/business/scam.