Rental scams leave more victims

JUPITER, Fla. - You've heard the warnings. You know online webistes can be a consumer's dream or nightmare if you fall prey to scammers. People searching for a place to live continue to be fresh meat for thieves online, but they're not the only victims.

A half million dollar home in Jupiter's Abacoa Community is being advertised on Craig's list for $1000/month. If it sounds to good to be true, it is.

The home was first listed by realtor, Sean Underwood for $3400/month. Underwood believes his listing was picked up by Nigerian scam artists who copied his description of the home, pasted pictures and posted a much lower rent rate to reel in consumers and collect cash deposits.

"No matter where you live, a scam can happen, there was one in Wellington and Jupiter can get hit with one just the same," said Underwood.

Underwood learned his listing was taken by a savvy consumer who contacted him after checking into the "too good to be true" listing.

Underwood advises consumers to cross reference home addresses on-line.

Websites like Zillow.com can help consumers learn about property.

Another option is to pick up the phone and call a licensed realtors. Real estate agents can help consumers navigate through what's real and what's not bogus on-line.