Rental scam in full swing in SWFL

For the second time in just weeks, the Call for Action office has received word of a rental scam circulating SWFL. On June 24th, 2010 we told you about the scam in full detail, click here to watch the story.

Now, another viewer wrote in to tell us about the same scam. Here's what happens:

The scam artists registers a home on a rental site and you contact the scam artist about that home. That scam artists is smart and uses the name of the actual owner, registered on the property appraiser's website-- so he looks legit! And almost always the scam artists says he is in Africa and usually on some sort of missionary trip. Take a look at the e-mail this viewer received (the name and address has been removed to protect the actual home owner).

Viewer's e-mail:

I must confess that I am very very new in this landlord business..However,My name is xxx,I own the house located at (xxx Estero, FL). Due to my job as a missionary I spent less time in the States so I could not get a hold on any Realtor to handle this rent issue, although it was when I knew how long we are going to stay in Africa that I decided to rent out the house. However, the initial plan was to sale out the apt. which I tried, but sometimes the agents inflates the prize and it takes longer to sell i am telling you this incase if you find the house on another website, that is the old advert. because of this reason and more we need a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money , but want it to be clean and for you to take it as if it were yours.

The rent is $800 and600 for Security Deposit
For this 2BR
Pets : Dogs, Cats Allowed!!!
Below is my phone numbers

LEASE APPLICATION FORM FULL CONTACT NAME? OCCUPATION? RESIDENTIAL HOME ADDRESS? YOUR CELLPHONE NUMBER? YOUR HOME PHONE NUMBER? YOUR WORKPLACE NUMBER? WHAT TIME IS THE BEST TIME TO REACH YOU? AGE & MARITAL STATUS? OWN A PET? OWN A CAR? HOW MANY PEOPLE SHALL RESIDE IN THE PREMISES? ANTICIPATED MOVE IN DATE? REFERENCE? ============================== ======= Application Comment ============================== ======= Please make sure this questions are fill correctly because the best way you answer with your comment will impress me the more to accept your applications. I know you would want to see the house before making any kind of rental payment , which is understandable.We can make arrangement for the keys and documentation including an Authorization letter to be shipped to you, this will give you the opportunity to view house. Regards,

*************************************

Important to note:

--People out-of-state of out-of-country will get a Realtor or rental company or even a friend to handle renting out their property.

--Once you contact the person, he or she will try to get you to send money before getting a key to look at the place. You should never have to pay any money up front to look at a home.

--This scam usually involves someone living in Africa as a missionary and the person provides on overseas phone number (usually a Nigerian number).

--Watch out for poor grammar-- a sign that someone is not legit.

--If you have any questions or concerns that this may be a scam, contact your local sheriff's office or call the Lee County Sheriff's Office Fraud Hotline: 239-477-1242