San Marcos Police Warn Of Craigslist Scammer

The San Marcos Police Department is warning residents of a Craigslist scammer who is falsely claiming to be a rental property agent and making off with people’s money.

Police say the man, described as a 40-50 year old white male with a heavy-set build and white hair, falsely lists properties for rent on Craigslist. When prospective renters call to meet with the “leasing agent,” he provides the renter with a lease agreement and takes their money.

The scammer has listed different types of homes—one in a single-family subdivision and another in a mobile home community.

To avoid being scammed, prospective renters should:

• Ask for photos of the property, both interior and exterior
• Ask for a walk-through of the property with the leasing agent. If the “agent” doesn’t have access to the property, it should raise a red flag
• Ask who owns the property. Property searches can be done online through the Hays County Central Appraisal District at http://propertysearch.hayscad.com.

The San Marcos Police Department, located at 2300 S IH-35, is a Craigslist safe exchange point and is open 24/7.