A con artist has been using Craigslist to scam gullible apartment seekers out of hundreds of dollars, according to the Daily News. Nothing new here, except this time the scheme so sketchy it’s hard to feel too sorry for the victims. Using the alias JoAnn Rinaggio, a compulsive check bouncer named JoAnne Smith has been posting listings for a fully furnished two-bedroom with a balcony in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. This amazing place can be yours for only $950 – less than half the market value!
Thing is, “Rinaggio” has just been transferred to North Carolina and needs you to wire the security deposit ASAP; then she’ll totally send you the keys: “I will like to tell you that we are doing this based on trust and I would like you to trust me as I trust you.” And since she’s out of town, it’s not possible to see the apartment yet; another reason why you can’t see it is because it doesn’t exist – 8235 Fourth Avenue is a phony address.
The original ad has been pulled from Craigslist but not before "countless" victims sent money and never heard back, according to Internet fraud and security expert Craig Solomon. His common sense advice: “Whenever anyone from out of state is involved, red flags should immediately go up. Avoiding the scam is simple. Try to always do business face-to-face, and never, ever, wire money anywhere.” What's the worst experience you've had while apartment hunting?
Photo of Bay Ridge houses by Nrvlowdown.
