JACKSON, Mich. — A FOX 47 News viewer thought she'd found the perfect home in Jackson for rent. She told FOX 47 News the so-called landlord turned out to be a scammer.
The home was never supposed to be for rent, it was only legally for sale by Exit Realty 1st. They received hundreds of calls about the property after being in contact with the scammer.
"That person is out there looking for any personal information or money they can get ahold of. The seller has no idea that this is going on. They've contracted us to sell the home," said Kim Gibbs, Exit Realty 1st Broker/Owner.
The FOX 47 News viewer answered an advertisement on Craiglist for a home on Leland Drive in Jackson. As of Monday, that ad has been removed.
"Now we have the general public going there thinking that it's a rental so that's a huge concern for us. It's their hard earned money and these scammers are asking them to send their money," said Gibbs.
Our viewer told us she got suspicious when the landlord, a man listed as John Gibson, started asking for personal information. He also asked that she mail him a $500 security deposit. That's when she googled the house and found out it was actually for sale by another person using Exit Reality 1st. Gibbs said they wouldn't ask for that kind of information.
"We ask just for their driver's license information and their phone number, we are never asking for personal information. We leave that up to our lenders and their financial situation is held by their institution," said Gibbs.
In one of the scammer's emails, it reads "ignore the sign post because I have stopped dealing and contacting the realtor...the realtor was trying to rip me off."
The email even states that he will remove the signs himself. However, those "FOR SALE" signs are usually taken off by the realtor. Gibbs mentioned that the type of language in an email is definitely something to look out for.
"Any negativity as far as a real estate professional goes or you're trying to get away from you using a real estate professional, that would be a huge red flag," said Gibbs.
The real estate agency did contact the police to file a report. We'll let you know if any criminal charges come out of the case.
Some ways to protect yourself when buying, or renting a house:
- Never send money to a person you have never met, or give out personal information
- Do your research on the home before you sign anything.
- Contact a professional real estate agent if you have questions.
