In a tough economy and with ever-increasing technology, online scams are proliferating. KCRAR and Heartland MLS have been informed of several recent situations involving Craigslist and home buying scams.

Properties in the MLS have been posted on Craigslist, with the ad claiming the property is for rent. When contacted by e-mail, the posters claim they can do a credit check if you wire them a small fee. These properties have NOT been posted by the listing agent of the actual property. The MLS# is usually included in the post. If you see such a listing, please contact the listing agent/office so they can call Craigslist and request that the post be taken down.

We’ve also caught wind of numerous situations recently in which the individual (in the most recent cases, it has been a white male) is making offers on higher-priced properties and presenting a fake ‘proof of funds’ letter from a non-existent trust advisor. The letter looks official because it is printed on investment firm letterhead which has been copied from the Internet.

Please make sure you, or the buyer's agent, know who you’re really dealing with. If you find that the ‘proof of funds’ letter is fake, please notify the local FBI office immediately.