There is a new scam involving Craigslist and rental properties. Con artists are fraudulently listing homes that are actually for rent as though they are the owners. The properties are offered at well below market rates and therefore attract a lot of potential renters. Then the con artists charge the would-be renters up-front rent and security deposit for the home without ever showing it and say that they will mail the renters the keys. They keys never shows up, the money is gone and the home is actually for rent at a much higher price and the real owner has no obligation to honor the fraudulent agreement.
To prevent this from happening it is best to work with a licensed Realtor. It is also important to take a tour of the property before any money is exchanged. And if you have doubts about whether the person who claims to own the home actually owns it, go on the county or town's property appraiser's website to confirm the owner's name.
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