For RENT- BEWARE of FRAUD

We recently listed a great property near the University of Utah, vacant and easy to show.  We had no idea it would be the next target of Fraud that has hit Utah.  I had a few appointments the day after we listed and when I get out there are voice mails on my phone about the property 'For Rent'.  People call all the time and ask if we will rent but not stating 'We are ready to rent'.  Someone had placed an ad with an email address that MATCHED my home owners name collecting DEPOSITS on the property.  Complete Fraud.  Luckily they called me, I investigated, and after a few phone calls it was under control.  No deposits sent, no one hurt.  I also placed the attached sign to the property just in case.  The email is a red flag but for $700 a month would be tempting to any starving college student.  See email below.  So if you have this issue, be sure to flag the listing and contact the Police.  Just so you know, I still think the world is good and well...just goes to show there is still a good rental market out there :).

Hello,

We are pleased that you have an interest in our house, Our lovely home is still available for lease and we want responsible adults/family who are neat and also believe that they have what it takes to take care of our house as if it were theirs. My wife and I initially had it up for sale but had a change of mind in leasing it out ourselves because the agent that was in charge of our rental property was asking too much of an agent fee and also making it difficult for people who cannot afford the rent, stay away from renting my house.

The reason why our house is up for lease is because I got transferred from my place of work to West Africa, I will be away with my family for at least 4 to 5 years because of the love I have for them, I have decided not to sell our house and also assuring them that we only have few years to spend here and will be willing to lease it out to person/family who is willing to assure us of taking absolute care of our home and pay their rent on time. I will start by telling you more in regards me and my family. I have a daughter named Leslie (20yrs) who attends University of Oklahoma as a medical student,she has a lot going for her and she is also down to earth in all that she does to keep us happy and when she is back home on vacation, she also assist her mom in the house work when am at work. I work as a Robotic Programmer & Welder/Fitter here in West Africa and got married to a lovely wife who is a member of Joyce Meyer Ministries . We will be very pleased if we can find the right tenant to rent our home, a person who is a clean freak and does not tolerate anything that has to do with dirt... we also would like to know more about you and your family, your renting experience and how long and when you plan moving into our home.1,996 sqft. I have received some proposals regarding the rent because it is located in a very good area of (Salt Lake City),but I still have to make sure it is rented out to someone who can take good care of it.It includes facilities such as water and heat laundry facilities, air condition, internet and telephone access and a car park and other necessary facilities, also comes with trash collection, pets are allowed as well as long as they are not destructive.

These 4 bedrooms and 2 baths home are very specious and neat.

Below is the rental property address:


2558 Simpson Avenue,Salt Lake City,UT 84109.

Pets allowed: Yes

Rent: $700

Deposit: $700

The rental fee is inclusive with utilities and my home available as at this moment.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO DRIVE BY THE HOUSE BUT NOT HAVE A LOOK AT THE INTERIOR UNTIL WE HAVE SENT THE KEYS AND DOCUMENT OF THE HOUSE TO YOU.