By District Attorney Summer Stephan
As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and you, the community. One way I have been doing that is through this monthly column, where I provide consumer tips on public safety matters.
We’ve all been in a situation where we have seen or heard something that sounds too good to be true, especially when browsing online sales or ads. Nowhere does this ring truer than when scouring Craigslist in search of rental property or when listing a rental. With the kids out of school, summer is a perfect time to look for a new place to live. Don’t fall prey to the old trick of an out-of-towner needing your bank information to deposit funds for your rental and especially don’t pay money for a anything site unseen. Keep these tips in mind when looking for property.
Craigslist rental scams are usually phony ads in which the scam artist pulls photos off of real estate or apartment rental websites. The trickster will make it seem like he or she owns or controls the unit. In addition, the bad actor usually advertises below-market rent or some other “act fast” hook to get people to send deposits to hold the unit.
When looking for a home or apartment to rent:
- Beware of ads where the rent is significantly below market.
- Always verify the physical address of the home by visiting the location.
- Make sure the person advertising the home has keys and can show you the inside of the unit.
- Google the address and run the address on local MLS (sandicormls.com). to check for foreclosure sales, lien sales, etc. If a house is in foreclosure, do not rent it.
- Do not wire money or pay deposits until you have seen the home, and get a written receipt for deposits.
- Get a written lease with clear terms.
When renting out a home:
- Cashier’s checks can be counterfeited as easily as regular checks, make sure the check clears the bank before delivering possession of the house or apartment.
- Run a credit check on the prospective tenants.
- Ask for references.
- Give a written receipt for deposits.
- Get a written lease with clear terms.
- Review landlord tenant law or consult a realtor or lawyer so you know when legal notice is due.
The theme here is to remind you to make sure the person you are dealing with is real and that the place for rent is real. When you drive by the location, there should be a visible “For Rent” sign. When something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to your instincts.
— District Attorney Summer Stephan has dedicated more than 28 years to serving justice and victims of crime as prosecutor. She is a national leader in fighting sex crimes and human trafficking and in creating smart and fair criminal justice solutions and restorative justice practices that treat the underlying causes of addiction and mental illness and that keep young people from being incarcerated.
Potential scam listed on Craigslist, found 10-1-18, for property located at 2704 Poinsettia Dr. San Diego CA 92106. Significantly under market value, scammer communicated asking for quite a lot of personal info and deposit saying keys would be shipped fedex. Did not communicate back, but happy to forward his email for investigation if required. Thank you
Scam on Craig’s list – 3 bd 1ba house on Tipton St College area for 1295.00 He said he owns the property but never shows it himself house is locked says he works for an ATM company and to debit him 500.00 to secure the place. First has a 714 area code then he changes it to a Colorado area code, has to be excuse after another why he can’t meet in person and goes by the name of Merrill.
Address on Craigslist is 597 hilltop drive in Chula Vista. Person claims to be a reverend in Africa and sends a rental agreement in the email, not an attachment, and mentions fedexing the keys. $850 rent including all utilities. Seems like a scam to me.
That person tried the exact same scam on me for a rental in Rancho Penasquitos years ago. I caught on immediately and strung him along for several weeks with promises of cash sent via western union ( never sent) lol
It was hilarious.
Don’t fall for 842 D avenue, Coronado!!! Scammers!!!
Have there been any scams involving Above and Beyond Property Management, Inc.?
I can’t find a website with any other listings besides the one posted by:
William Monroe Tucker
Sr Retail – Property Manager
ABOVE AND BEYOND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC
350 10th Avenue Suite 207
San Diego. California. 92101
Tel: (628) 895-2755 EXT 045
Never do anything with a man named Kevin Tucker states he runs property management company H we calls Raytheon development company He is a awful thief and scam artist He destroyed my life stored my home through a series of forging of documents Like the deed
Above and Beyond Property is a scan
I see these scam ads all the time on craigslist.
1. The cost is usually much lower than other rentals in the area.
2. Sometimes the photos show a unit, not typical of San Diego or that area of the county (style of home, layout, type of windows, height of ceiling, view outside the window is not typical of San Diego, indicating the photos are from another state). Or no exterior photos. Sometimes the photos are just too nice, as if they lifted them from the MLS. Though, nice photos are not a dead give away.
3. Most give a long story, rather than just the facts about the unit. “I’ll be out of the country for a year. I will send you the key by mail. (No tour offered in advance.) It’s yours! (Before they meet you or run your credit report.)”
4. Most of these scammers claims to be religious, likely to earn your trust.
5. Some welcome cats or dogs, which most landlords prefer to avoid, due to potential damage.
6. The person often states in the ad or by email that you can’t see the unit first. And require that you fill out an extra long lease form, requesting way too much info to merely view the unit.
7. You might see them using more than one email address.
8. The person may alter their name a couple of times.
9. They may refer to you by another name.
10. Their email reply sounds like a script, and is generally super long, filled with unneeded, and sometimes personal facts about their life or situation.
10. They typically do not call you, but send an email.
11. You may see that their writing skills are poor.
12. They may not respond for days. Then out of the blue, they write, offering you the moon.
I sometimes test the waters, when I see a low-rent unit. If it’s not obvious by the ad, the email will confirm they’re scammers, as I run through the above items.
Craig Duncan is renting a property at Teak St San Diego, CA 92113. I checked the house. Even it was too small and in a bad area I decided to apply. I provided all the documentation he asked me for. After I paid for the credit check, he starter to be more personal. He refused to rent me the house even I provided proof that I can pay the rent, provided ex-lanlords information, and employer information, His excuse was that i did not provided my son’s and my detailed bank statements for three months. He also was checking my facebook. This is not the first time I am required to pay for the credit check and then property managements start asking for more personal staff. I have paid hundreds in credit check fees.
Craig Duncan is renting a property at 3767 Teak St San Diego, CA 92113. I checked the house. Even it was too small and in a bad area I decided to apply. I provided all the documentation he asked me for. After paying for the credit check, he starter to be more personal. He refused to rent me the house even I provided proof that I can pay the rent, provided ex-lanlords information, and employer information, His excuse was that i did not provided my son’s and my detailed bank statements for three months. He also was checking my facebook. This is not the first time I am required to pay for the credit check and then property managements start asking for more personal staff. I have paid hundreds in credit check fees. If he collects $ 30 credit checks fees from 100 people, he is making business while he rents the property.
It should be required that these management companies have a limit to how much may be collected toward background And credit checks. Especially if you are able to provide the information at zero cost.
Not fair. $30 a day in credit checks ( which cost nothing in many cases) is a side hustle.
Yes, and they have changed their name to this on Craigslist. SCAMMM!
AIMCO & BRINK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC
350 10th Avenue. Suite 207.
San Diego. California. 92101
Tel: (858) 225 3854
Michael Slavin
Sr Retail – Property Manager
Are you saying this property management company is fake? Thanks for your time
This person or persons – still at it.
Despicable . Hope they get caught one day.
There is also one for the above AIMCO for La Jolla well below market rent. The name is Daniel Clark
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/apa/d/la-jolla-1-bed-1-bath-condo-in-la-jolla/7065301271.html
Address: 8332 Regents Rd Unit D, San Diego, CA 92122
Home Type: Condo
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Balcony: Yes
Closet Space: Yes
Cooling: Yes
Flooring: Carpet, Tile
Laundry: In-Building(Washer, Dryer)
Heating: Yes
Dishwasher: Yes
Oven: Yes
Parking: Off-Street parking, 1 space
Pets: Yes
Pool: Yes
Stove: Yes
Security: Automatic Gate, Gated Community, Smoke Detector, Fire Sprinklers
Water: Yes(Hot and Cold)
Garbage disposal: Yes
Total interior livable area: 687 sqft
The Lease term is also flexible, month to month, 6 months or 1-year lease term……. which can be renewed when it expires.
This is the Craigslist ad currently running. The property manager is asking for a cash deposit of at least $1000 to hold reservation on a property which is currently occupied and will be leased to the first qualified applicant to initiate down payment in Cash.
Daniel Clark
Sr Retail – Property Manager
AIMCO & BRINK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC
350 10th Avenue. Suite 207.
San Diego. California. 92101
Tel: (858) 225 3854
I also just received the Daniel Clark scam as well!
Address: 8282 Gilman Dr Unit 41, La Jolla, CA 92037
Home Type: Townhouse
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Cable Ready: Yes
Closet: Yes
Laundry: In-unit (Washer, Dryer)
Heating: Yes
Cooling: Yes
Flooring: Carpet, Linoleum / Vinyl, Tile
Range / Oven: Yes
Refrigerator: Yes
Dishwasher: Yes
Microwave: Yes
Oven: Yes
Pets: Yes (Cats, large dogs, small dogs)
Parking: Attached Garage, (1 assigned space)
Stove: Yes
Balcony: Yes
Water: Yes
Garbage disposal: Yes
Total interior livable area: 820 sqft
Surrounding view: Yes
The Lease term is also flexible, month to month, 6 months or 1-year lease term……. which can be renewed when it expires.
* Available Unfurnished $1,650.00
* Security Deposit (Refundable) $1,500.00
* Pet Deposit $100 par pet (15bls) and an extra $30 for pets above (15bls)
Please keep in mind that our homes/Unit are very popular and are leasing extremely fast. I don’t want you to miss out on the perfect home; I strongly recommend beginning the process ASAP to secure your home and special leasing rental rates! you can have it reserve now for your move in date if you wish.
If this unit satisfies what you are looking for, do let me know so that I can forward to you the tenancy form, lease contract for review and reservation details for booking.
Please note that 1 other possible renter have shown interest in this unit also, and I will be obliged to rent out to anyone that makes reservation now.
Lastly, Do let me know if you would like to begin the application process now so that I can forward to you the tenancy form.
—
Thank You,
Michael Slavin
Sr Retail – Property Manager
Tel: (858) 225 3854
I’m glad I came on here before even going forward with this! Below is the email I was sent which seems very scam likely, funny how the unit is not even posted on zillow, redfin, or any other reliable site! I had also asked when we could tour the unit (03/03/20) & their response is that you can tour & move in on 03/24/20?
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for contacting me; I am the property manager of the apartment you inquired about and as mentioned in my previous email the apartment would be available for viewing and move-in from March 24th.
However, I would give you a little more insight of this Pet friendly, smoke free, Like brand new one bedroom corner unit condo in gated Oceanside Arbor Hill Garden Condominium Community of both owners and renters. Close to Interstate 5, Camp Pendleton, 8 minutes to beach. Gate controls include: key pad code entry, remote control clicker operation, and remote smart phone gate activation. Location is just east off of I-5 and Oceanside Boulevard at Edgehill Lane.
Owner pays for trash collection, hot and cold water and HOA fees and maintenance. Tenant pays electric.
What I Love About The Home
This condo is the lowest priced condo in Oceanside and It is great for renters due to its location.
FACTS AND FEATURES OF THIS UNIT
Address: 432 Edgehill Ln Unit 41, Oceanside, CA 92054
Home Type: Apartment
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Closet: Yes
Balcony / Patio: Yes
Flooring: Laminate hard wood, Ceramic quarry tile
Laundry: On-Site (Washer, Dryer)
Heating: Yes
Cooling: Yes
Oven: Yes
Refrigerator: Yes
Pets: Yes (Cats, large dogs, small dogs)
Parking: Carport, Off street
Heated lap pool: Yes
Water: Yes
Garbage disposal: Yes
Total interior livable area: 508 sqft
Surrounding view: Yes
The Lease term is also flexible, month to month, 6 months or 1-year lease term……. which can be renewed when it expires.
* Available unfurnished $1,350.00
* Security Deposit (Refundable) $1,400.00
* Pet Deposit $100.00 par pet (15bls) and an extra $30.00 for pets above (15bls)
Please keep in mind that our homes/Unit are very popular and are leasing extremely fast. I don’t want you to miss out on the perfect home; I strongly recommend beginning the process ASAP to secure your home and special leasing rental rates! you can have it reserve now for your move in date if you wish.
If this apartment satisfies what you are looking for, do let me know so that I can forward to you the tenancy form, lease contract for review and reservation details for booking.
Please note that 1 other possible renter have shown interest in this apartment also, and I will be obliged to rent out to anyone that makes reservation now.
Lastly, Do let me know if you would like to begin the application process now so that I can forward to you the tenancy form.
—
Thank You,
Michael Slavin
Sr Retail – Property Manager
Tel: (858) 225 3854
Here’s the link:
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/apa/d/oceanside-1-bedroom-corner-unit-condo/7086357800.html
Does this sound similar? It’s not near verbatim but same gist of securing the unit before seeing it by paying for it first. This copy/paste below is after a few exchanges of asking about the unit and the process:
Thank you for the response. We are still in contract with the current resident of the unit until April 15, like I said before. So the unit will be available for viewing from that date the resident will be moving out. If this works for you, you would need to secure the apartment pending your move in so you don’t lose it to another renter.
To secure the apartment, you will be required to fill out the apartment lease booking form with your information on-line which I will be sending over to you. You would also be required to put down the first month rent and the refundable security deposit.
Note that you are entitled to a full refund of all money paid should you find the unit not in the same state as advertised or for any
other reason whatsoever decide not to move forward with the lease after your viewing of the unit interior when it becomes vacant. This is clearly stated in the lease form and it is binding according to the California real estate laws.
So do get back to me so we get started with the reservation details and paperwork.
Regards,
Carla.
Our listing in UTC was scammed as well by Amarosa & Brinks Property Management Khristine Kellerman 858 225-3854. Total fake advertised our listing for half the rent. Called and they answered and acted like it was their property. These people need to be stopped
DO not rent from Nasser Iraniha. 1851 Costada Court lemon Grove. Marijuana 24/7. Illegal drugs like opium, heroin, meth and crack. Crack pipes in backyard. You will smell this all night long. Ad on craigslist. Under NO circumstances have anything to do with this man or his family.
Does anyone know if David Carroll is legit? This was also name given via a Craigslist rental ad
Listing on craigslist for property on Electra Tower. The address is 700 W E St., Unit 304, San Diego, CA 92101 for $1470.00 per month.
WARNING THIS IS A SCAM! I almost fell for it when this property manager named Laura Anderson asked me to wire the money to the owner’s account named Reba K Galea. She was asking me to pay $1470 deposit and one month rent before viewing the property. A total of $2,940.00.
Here’s the exact listing:
Welcome home to Electra Tower – One of Downtown San Diego’s most premier addresses. Built in 2007 this spacious 1 bedroom townhome offers matches function with space. Accessible from 3rd & 4th floors this approx 827 square foot residence offers well maintained hardwood floors on the main level and like new carpeting in the upstairs. In-Unit laundry, high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and an abundance of natural light add to the allure of this coveted Bosa tower. Building amenities (limited due to Covid-19) include 24 hour concierge, BBQ courtyard, outdoor (community) fireplace, pool, spa, steam, and a well equipped fitness center. Come experience downtown living!
We were just scammed on a holiday rental in La Jolla, Eads Avenue found on Craigslist. Sent over $1000 wire transfer, we were promised keys sent by courier, never got them. Name Alvarado Rentals.