By Associated Press - Tuesday, April 22, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning West Virginia residents about a rental property scam.

In the scam, people post fake rental ads on Craigslist or other websites. Consumers who respond receive information about properties that don’t exist, are not available or are owned by someone else. The supposed landlords often ask for rent up front and promise that keys or a lease will be mailed upon receipt.

In other situations, scammers are hacking into the emails of property owners and sending fake, forged contracts through a website for vacation rental property owners. These contracts direct the renters to send money either through pre-paid debit cards or money order to bank accounts owned by the scammers.

Morrisey says it’s important to verify that rental property is legitimate before sending money.

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