Craigslist Scam Uses Fake Newport Rental Properties

by Bill Bittar and Olga Enger

An advertisement on Craigslist lured a woman from Monroe, CT, into renting a house in Newport, but after paying a $400 security deposit and the $150 rent for one night, she realized the house does not exist.

The victim reported the fraud to Monroe police on Aug. 14, the same day her daughter arrived in Rhode Island to learn the address does not even exist, according to police.

Police said a neighbor in the area told the woman's daughter that this scam has happened numerous times.

"The public is asked to check with local realtors and do some research before engaging in a transaction online," reads a statement from the Middletown Police Department. "These cases are difficult to prosecute as quite often the IP address and telephone numbers are false or originate from outside of the United States. This type of scam is not isolated and is occurring nationwide. Always verify that you are dealing with a legitimate property owner or realtor before you electronically transfer any money."

The Craigslist advertisement included a bank account for the renter and police said they are conducting an investigation with that information as their starting point.