Five Money-Related Scams to Avoid on Craigslist, Modesto

Craigslist is used by millions of individuals as a handy online arena for posting personal things for sale, housing sales and rents, and employment opportunities. While the majority of advertising are genuine, con artists have discovered that this is a good area to identify unsuspecting victims and steal their money. This is in no way a commentary on Craigslist, since con artists exist everywhere, but it pays to be vigilant and careful when interacting with strangers’ online postings. Here are five Craigslist Modesto cons to look out for:
1. Fake house rentals on Craigslist in Modesto
Angela Kilgore and her family saw an advertising for a three-bedroom property for rent in the Modesto region as the perfect living scenario. The rent advertised was about $700 per month, which was inexpensive for the Oakdale area. The advertisement included online images of the home’s inside and outside and included the location. The contact urged Kilgore to respond to a few questions through email, and the said owners would contact her if she was accepted.
She was given the phone number of a person who claimed to be out of the country and unable to show her the property at the time, but offered to ship her the keys after payment. Kilgore smelt a rat and investigated the issue further. She learned that it was really a fraud. This was a rental property, but the genuine owners were unaware of the phony advertisement. The information from a previously placed advertisement was used in the rental fraud.
2. A Modesto con artist is caught for a theft plan
A guy from Fresno responded to an advertising for the sale of a unique BMX bicycle. Brian Constantino arranged to meet the vendor at a predetermined place in order to inspect and get the bicycle. When they arrived, the truck was positioned in a manner that obscured the truck bed, which was meant to contain the bicycle.
Before the transaction could be completed, the vendor snatched the $175 from Constantino’s hands and rushed away. Constantino contacted the police after attempting to pursue the speeding vehicle. The police discovered the thief, contacted Constantino to positively identify him, and then arrested the con artist.
3.Modesto Craigslist vehicle wrap fraud
The most recent scam to hit Craigslist Modesto is a fraudulent posting for a vehicle cover. Those who want an alternative to a fresh paint job or who want to add custom logos or murals to their cars are increasingly turning to vehicle wrapping. The operation’s con artists mail a cheque for several thousand dollars and instruct the employee to deposit it into their accounts. You are instructed to retain a portion of the monies and transmit the remainder to a “graphic artist” who will wrap your vehicle.
At least the majority of banks will honor deposited checks. Once the check bounces, as it will, you are accountable for making up the illegally obtained funds that you believed were real. You are accountable for returning the whole sum. If you do not repay the bank the money you owe, you may be arrested. They offer to pay you $300 a week to cover your vehicle in advertising for their business. Don’t be fooled by them.
4.Free Puppies on Craigslist, Modesto Scam
A guy from Gustine noticed an advertisement for a free dog, but it turned out that the pet was anything but free. The Craigslist ad was posted on the marketplace, and the sellers said that the animal was free, but the buyer would be responsible for transportation costs. The vendor promised to compensate him once he got the animal. The money was wired by an unnamed guy. According to the police complaint he made, he paid $2,700 to the fraudster despite not receiving the puppy.
5. Beware of counterfeit Disneyland tickets listed on Craigslist in Modesto
Scammers are promoting Disneyland tickets at a bargain price of $90 per ticket. More than a dozen victims believed they were getting a fantastic price until they attempted to use the vouchers and discovered that they were either counterfeit or already used.
The family learned the news too late since they had already booked a hotel and went to their destination. When they arrived at the park’s entry gates, they were notified that their tickets were invalid. Because the tickets were electronic, it was impossible to determine who had sold them or to get compensation for their loss.