SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The San Marcos Police Department is warning residents of a Craigslist scammer who is falsely claiming to be a rental property agent and making off with people’s money.
Police say the man, described as a 40-50 year old white male with a heavy-set build and white hair, falsely lists properties for rent on Craigslist. When prospective renters call to meet with the “leasing agent,” he provides the renter with a lease agreement and takes their money, police said in a statement Monday.
The scammer has listed different types of homes — one in a single-family subdivision and another in a mobile home community.
To avoid being scammed, prospective renters should:
Ask for photos of the property, both interior and exterior
Ask for a walk-through of the property with the leasing agent. If the “agent” doesn’t have access to the property, it should raise a red flag
Ask who owns the property. Property searches can be done online through the Hays County Central Appraisal District at http://propertysearch.hayscad.com.
The San Marcos Police Department, located at 2300 S I-35, is a Craigslist safe exchange point and is open 24/7.