The Chronicle reports that scam artists are moving into the fake-landlord business, finding abandoned homes (there are many) and renting them out. Eventually the realtor for the foreclosing bank comes around kicks them out.
"With a lot of foreclosures, the property sits empty for a long period of time," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco. "What we're finding is that scam artists will come in, change the locks and advertise on Craigslist at a very enticing price. They tell people, if you want to get this deal you need to come back soon with cash for the deposit. People give them the money, sign a lease, get keys and a couple of days later the legitimate owner (an agent for the bank) comes and says, 'What are you doing here?' Then they're out whatever cash they've laid out."Ma wants to make the crime a felony instead of a misdemeanor -- a good idea.
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