Scams recognized by the Superior Police Department Monday, are very similar to those in recent months in the Northland.
Local businesses like Weichert Realtors told Eyewitness News scammers copy official listings on realty websites, and post them to Craigslist and other marketplace websites. Weichert Realtors said the scammers claim to own the properties, and put them online to be rented out.
Former Superior homeowner Bob LaBounty told us he put his home up for sale earlier this year through Weichert Realtors. He told us it wasn't long before people looking to rent out his home, came knocking on his door.
Weichert Realtor's licensed assistant Jessie Pearson said "[LaBounty] got a knock on the door and some people were there to take a look at the house. They said they saw it on Craigslist for rent and that the owner had said he wasn't going to be there, but that he would be in Africa."
Pearson told us people some potential renters were told they would get the keys for the property, if they sent a payment first.
Pearson said "[the scammer] said ignore the for sale sign in the yard. He said it was his property and said if they liked it they would just send him the money and he would send them the keys in return."
This isn't the first time online scams have been an issue in the Northland. According to the Superior Police Department, numerous complaints of online scams have popped up in recent days. Now they are offering ways internet users can protect themselves from scammers.
Authorities suggested dealing with local folks you can meet in person, and said it is wise to refrain from using money wiring services. Officials also urged internet users to keep financial information like bank numbers and social security numbers private.
Superior authorities said there are numerous legitimate postings online, but deals that appear too good to be true may very well be a scam.
Craigslist has not yet responded to a request for comment. If you have been a victim of online fraud, you can report it through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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