
I’ve had several calls this afternoon from folks who were about to be taken in by a San Diego rental scam. These callers were saved, because they drove by 335 Venetia Way and saw our For Sale sign in the yard and took the time to call.
This lovely 3-bedroom home is on the market at $389,000, but someone who calls himself “Mark” is advertising it as a $1200 month rental–which would be an outrageous bargain.
Unfortunately, this Oceanside property is not for rent, as owners will only consider a sale–and have priced it to move quickly.
I called Mark’s phone: 910-310-7984, which is a Google phone number. Left a message, and hope to hear back from him.
BEWARE: THIS IS A RENTAL SCAM
…and one that is not unique to San Diego real estate. I’m sure the scammer will try to get a deposit (and possibly first month’s rent) to hold the property–and that’s the last you’ll hear from him. That would leave me on the hook for sharing the sad news to those taken.
I Googled the phone number, and it appears this guy is an operator working out of who-knows-where. And although the 910 area code serves southeastern North Carolina, the fraudster could be operating almost anywhere in the world.
My advice for anyone who is looking for rentals on sites like Craigslist is to cross-check owner of the home with a real estate agent who can easily pull up tax records to verify ownership. We offer it as a free service to our clients–and would-be clients. To check, just call 877-818-8197 or 760-942-9100.
Listed below, because we receive so many requests for them, are legitimate and currently-available rentals in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista. For rental information in other areas or if you are seeking property management, call Roberta or Scott Murphy at 760-942-9100 or 760-613-6190 or email scott@sandiegopreviews.com (NOTE: Some of these listings may be vacation rentals, which we cannot filter. Apologies!)
876 Bonita Dr Encinitas, CA 92024
1087 Regal Encinitas, CA 92024
1446 La Habra Drive San Marcos, CA 92078
442 2nd St Unit G Encinitas, CA 92024
4483 Brisbane Way Unit 1 Oceanside, CA 92058
7424 Altiva Place Carlsbad, CA 92009
Los Angeles CA 90048
3611 Terrace Place Carlsbad, CA 92010
1333 Evergreen Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
868 Marigold Ct Carlsbad, CA 92011
2930 Doreet Way Carlsbad, CA 92008
3130 Madison Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
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