Phoenix Cops Sound Alert On Scammers Hijacking Possession Of Vacant Homes In Foreclosure, Then Pocketing Cash From Duped Renters

In Phoenix, Arizona, The Arizona Republic reports:

• Phoenix police are investigating a scam that has people pay a deposit on a rental home that turns out to be in foreclosure and not available for renting, Phoenix police said Thursday. The scammers are targeting people throughout the Valley, Phoenix police Sgt. Trent Crump said at a Thursday news conference.
• One arrest has already been made in connection to four of these scams in Phoenix, Glendale and Avondale. Raul Juarez, 35, was arrested on April 16 in connection with the case.
• Crump said the scam works like this: After breaking into foreclosed homes and switching the locks on the doors, scammers use the Internet to target potential home renters. They place ads on websites such as Craigslist and mostly involve month-to-month rentals with no credit checks. These scams also target people who have recently had homes foreclosed, Crump said.

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• There have been six known scams of this sort in Phoenix, Crump said. Other victims have reportedly lost between $800 to $1,900 per incident. Like the scammers, police used the Internet to track down Juarez. "If you put (ads) up there, it might be police that are responding to check or to verify now," Crump said.
• Crump also warned renters to be aware of "red flags," [...]. These include supposed proprietors only accepting cash, not wanting a contract or having abnormally small deposits. Some scammers also might not have a vehicle around in case someone takes note of the license plate, Crump said.

For the story, see Phoenix police warn about foreclosure rental scam.

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