Town of North Beach, MD - Credit Report Scams Originating from Craigslist

Consumers may become victims of scams on Craigslist and other online classified listing sites as a result of responding to what they believe is a legitimate rental property or job posting. The scam involves an apartment for rent or a job posting and consumers respond to the listings via email. Once the consumer's inquiry is received, the consumer then becomes engaged in what they believe is legitimate communication between a potential employer or property manager. The alleged employer or property manager will include a link to a free credit report website, asking the consumer to go to the site to get their free report. The consumer is then instructed to email their credit report and/or credit score to the potential employer or property manager so they can "verify their employment or housing history" and proceed with the job or apartment application process. NationalCreditReport.com warns all consumers not to share their credit report or credit score with anyone they do not know, as this is an open invitation for credit fraud and identity theft. Sites such as Craigslist.com have also recognized credit report scams and posted their own warnings such as this one to guide the public. www.craigslist.org/about/scams. http://www.pr-inside.com/nationalcreditreport-com-issues-consumer-r1692226