FBI warns of Real Estate Scam in SC

The FBI is warning homeowners and prospective renters in South Carolina of a new scam.  The press release reports that potential victims are contacted by an individual in a foreign country by either email or phone then asked to wire money to a third person in an overseas location.  Perpetrators are searching for homes listed for sale on public search sites on the Internet. They copy the pictures and descriptions of the homes and then post the information on Craigslist under available housing rentals, without the consent or knowledge of Craigslist and the true owner. The FBI warns renters to never wire funds to any unknown person and should only conduct business with individuals they can meet in person. In addition, renters should request to see the property in person and preferably be shown the interior of a property prior to signing a contract and transmitting any payments. The FBI is requesting people who have similar complaints to file an Internet crime complaint on www.ic3.gov.