It seems that the Christmas Season is a great time for scammers to try and take your hard earned money on some new way to supposedly help you in this busy time.
Another scam that is out there that works on people who are looking to rent a home or apartment is on Craig’s List which advertises homes and apartments for rent in the Lafayette area. The so called owner advises you of property they have for rent. When you request information, they send you a property description and a rental agreement that asks for your name, picture, age, work shift, driver’s license number, $500.00 up front and sometimes your social security number. They even give you an address so you can go and “peek” in the windows to see what you are getting.
When this couple went to look at a rental, they found that someone already lived there and they owned the home. Be sure to look at the property before you sign anything. Also questions about what shift you work, picture of yourself and social security numbers are red flags for identity theft. Do some research on the possible renter and ask questions to help in assuring what you are getting information on is legitimate. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Be smart and try to keep the threat of identity theft down to a minimum.
Other scams on the internet are about alleged soldiers coming back from a tour of duty overseas and state they and their families are broke, about to lose their home and their children are starving. Be sure and do the research. There are legitimate programs out there that do great things for our soldiers coming home but be aware of the copy cats that are out there.
Protect yourself from being scammed.
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