More scam artists posing as landlords

The glut of vacant foreclosed homes has inspired con artists to concoct a new scam: posing as landlords to swindle prospective tenants out of rent and deposit money.

Cases of landlord impersonation have jumped throughout California in the past couple of years, according to sheriffs and legal aid clinics.

"With a lot of foreclosures, the property sits empty for a long period of time," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco. "What we're finding is that scam artists will come in, change the locks and advertise on Craigslist at a very enticing price. They tell people, if you want to get this deal you need to come back soon with cash for the deposit. People give them the money, sign a lease, get keys and a couple of days later the legitimate owner (an agent for the bank) comes and says, 'What are you doing here?' Then they're out whatever cash they've laid out."

But many victims don't report the crime, law enforcement officers say, which makes it hard to know how common it is.

Unfortunately, most victims never get restitution. Because the victims pay in cash, police can't easily track down the perpetrators. One way people could guard against landlord fraud would be to check at the county recorder's office (or online where available) about who actually owns the property, but most people don't have the savvy or the time to do that, she said.

Complete Article at SF Chronicle