Better Business Bureau Warning: Real Estate Scam That Could Claim Area Renters as Victims

Columbus, GA - June 6, 2011 -A local realtor contacted the owner of an area construction company regarding two properties owned by him on behalf of a client who had seen the following classified ad:


"Stop Renting, AVAILABLE NOW 2-4 Bedroom homes. Take Over Payments. No Money Down, No Credit Check. Call Now."


The properties had been fraudulently listed on a Distressed/Foreclosure list sold to the client for $199.00. The properties should not have appeared on any such list since they had been paid for a number of years ago and have no mortgages associated with them.


The BBB is advising area renters that may have been fooled by this Scam to immediately contact their bank/credit card company to dispute the charges and to also put fraud alerts on those accounts.


OTHER TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Do not be swayed by "too good to be true" Advertising Claims!
• Deal locally with people that you can meet in person
• Work with a trusted real estate professional
• Distressed Property lists are available locally and are free
• Never give out Social Security numbers, Personal Financial information or send money to people that you do not know
• Check with the BBB for Trustworthy Real Estate Companies

For additional information contact

Leonard CrainPres./CEO BBB Columbus, GA 706-324-0707