Scam Watch
How to File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
(Note, this is a popular video and sometimes takes a few moments to load and available)
In the Real Estate business, we are aware of scams that may occur with listings. The most popular, bogus listings (on Craigslist for example) that state a home is for lease at a ridiculously low price. The ads look legitimate, and may even provide an email address with the actual owners name(s); but, the email goes to the scammer and not the real owner of the property. Craigslist is very proactive in assisting those who search on their site to be aware of scams and some of the things to watch for. Unfortunately, the practice continues...you can help to catch these scammers by reporting to the website you find the post on. You can also submit a complaint to the FTC:
Before You Submit a ComplaintThe Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, collects complaints about companies, business practices, identity theft, and episodes of violence in the media. Why: Your complaints can help us detect patterns of wrong-doing, and lead to investigations and prosecutions. The FTC enters all complaints it receives into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database that is used by thousands of civil and criminal law enforcement authorities worldwide. The FTC does not resolve individual consumer complaints. Your Privacy: How much personal information you provide is up to you. To learn how we safeguard your personal information, please read our Privacy Policy. If you don't provide your name and certain other information, it may be impossible for us to refer, respond to, or investigate your complaint. |
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Lisa great advice,:)) my only question is if it is a multi billion dollar industry why they can not shut it down... never mind we have politicians they can not shut down either...got my answer:)) just kidding... Endre
Hi Lisa... great information. Thanks for this. I've bookmarked for future reference. So many scams out there it's hard to keep track these days.
Good to know that the watchdogs want to do more than just watch when it comes to scamming the public !
Endre Barath, Jr.
The politicians are probably getting money from them...
You are welcome Nina Hollander thank you for the bookmark!
Amazing, isn't it Sally K. & David L. Hanson !
Good morning Lisa Von Domek ,
Thanks so much and the video is excellent! You provided informative information ..there are so many scams it's mind blowing!
Lisa Von Domek I do not waste my valuable time reporting, rather just block the numbers. Besides, you don't really think the FTC is going to da anything about this? The government can't even lock up a politician who ignores a subpoena!
Lisa - I know this goes on in real estate and employment advertising. I tell employers to use indeed, monster, or careerbuilder instead of Craigs List.
Good morning Lisa. This is excellent and I bookmarked it so I can come back if I need to. TY
This is great information and I have bookmarked it. The next time that I see a scam, I will certainly report it now!
Great advice Lis. Everyone should report these crimes. It is a great to eliminate scammers
Thanks, Lisa for this information... bookmarked for a reference just in case I need it :)
Lisa thank you for posting this information and sharing it with us.
This is great information and glad to know they are there to protect and serve.
Lisa Von Domek - this is a very important information for us.
We do come across many scams.
Lisa, thank you, important information for us to know on how to report scammers.
Lisa I had a nitemare on hand with craigs list from one of our rentals. I was so glad to get it rented and off the market so it would all end. Wish I had the FTC info. Craigs list was of no help to us.
I am beginning to think that the scammers will soon outnumber the consumers Dorie Dillard
Sadly true Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 where's that Special Prosecutor when you need them?
Grant Schneider Craig's List seems to be a breeding ground for scammers.
That's wonderful Sheila Anderson but I hope you never need to use the information
That's great Brian England I am so happy the information was useful for you!
Thank you Noah Seidenberg the darn scammers are everywhere these days!
Great, thank you Rebecca Gaujot, the Go To Realtor® hopefully you will never need it!
You are welcome George Souto it's sad that we need to know these things though, isn't it?
Thank you Debbie Reynolds our tax dollars at work!
Far too many scammers out there Praful Thakkar
Glad you found this helpful Michelle Carr-Crowe-Selling Silicon Valley Homes in Top Schools San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, Palo Alto-Just Call 408-252-8900
Craig's List causes so many headaches Anna Banana Kruchten
Lisa, thanks for the informtion. Good to have, just in case.