A scammer, apparently based in Africa, is posting bogus Spokane house rentals on Craigslist. Realtor Jessica Howerton said she was inundated with calls from potential renters of a home at 217 W. 21st Ave. But the home is only for sale, not for rent, she said. The scammer apparently identified the home on a website, found the owner’s name by searching Spokane County records, then posed as the legitimate owner on Craigslist. The Craigslist posting even included pictures taken from the sales listing, Howerton said. Anyone who responds to the rental posting is asked for information, including Social Security numbers, that would expose them to identity theft. A $500 deposit is requested/Bert Caldwell, SR. More here.

Question: How do you protect yourself from scams when using CraigsList?