Craigslist Rental Scam Targets Visitors To Mountain Towns

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (CBS4)- A massive rental scam is targeting visitors to the mountains that include entire listings from property management companies on Craigslist.

"This is the first time we've been affected in almost 11 years, we've heard about the scams but our properties have never been scammed," said Diane Wieland with Rocky Mountain Resorts.

Until this week.

A concerned vacationer contacted the resort management company after a posting on Craigslist hit a dead end. That's when Wieland realized that 80 of her properties have been illegally posted for rent.

"All these properties right here are mine," said Wieland. "Here's my website and this is the same exact home."

The scammer has gotten pretty technical by stealing the identity of one of the top executives at the property management company. They've even sent an application asking for the payment in full to be sent to an address in Lakewood.

"I've even heard where people have shown up to homes and the homeowners or other guests are there and they've been scammed," said Wieland.

Visitors are urged to do more research before booking a listing online.

"I would honestly suggest contacting a local property management company. You can always check through the chamber or the town to see if they're a legitimate business," said Wieland.