Residents Advised To Beware Of Craigslist Scam: Waterford Police

WATERFORD, CT — Waterford police said officers are investigating a recent fraud complaint in which a craigslist advertisement falsely listed a New London house for rent. The owner of the house, who resides in Waterford, is not currently renting the property and was unaware of the add, police said.

Police are warning residents of this suspected scam in which the person attempting to defraud victims asks potential renters to send money through Western Union. The scammer then promises the keys to the property will be sent by FedEx overnight in return. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Police said the contact number listed on the add is (678)-653-5583. A similar incident with this telephone number on craigslist occurred over the summer in Groton, according to police.

Police ask residents to be alert to this scam by following some of the recommendations made by craigslist:

• Deal locally, face-to-face
• Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person
• Beware offers involving shipping - deal with locals you can meet in person
• Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) - anyone who asks you to is a scammer
• Transactions are between users only, no third party provides a "guarantee"
• Never give out financial info (bank account, social security, paypal account, etc)
• Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen—that amazing "deal" may not exist
• Refuse background/credit checks until you have met landlord/employer in person
• Don't accept cashier/certified checks or money orders - banks cash fake checks, then hold you responsible.

Check the Waterford Police Department Facebook page for more information.

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