FOX 29 Investigates: Fast-Growing Internet Con - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

FOX 29 Investigates: Fast-Growing Internet Con

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PHILADELPHIA -

Watch out, there's a new group of scammers out there just dying to take your money.

The offers look great. They show homes, apartments and even vacation homes up for rent at bargain-basement prices.

Too bad the ads are bogus, posted with websites like Craigslist in the dark.

One local woman thought she was renting her dream home. The landlord said he was a pastor living in West Africa.

But when the keys didn't arrive and she was asked to send more money, she knew she had been scammed.

Now, she's heartbroken and out $1,200 bucks.

It turns out the home was never up for rent. It was for sale. A realtor let us take a look.

Before you sign that lease, you need to see what FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole uncovered about this new, fast-growing online rental scam. You can watch the full report in the video above.

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  • Jeff Cole Reports

  • Tuesday, May 14 2013 6:43 AM EDT2013-05-14 10:43:34 GMT
    Is this little device a ground-breaking tool to fight crime, or is it an over-the-top intrusion of your privacy?
    Is this little device a ground-breaking tool to fight crime, or is it an over-the-top intrusion of your privacy?
  • Wednesday, May 8 2013 4:26 PM EDT2013-05-08 20:26:44 GMT
    You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
    You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
  • Tuesday, May 7 2013 10:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 14:21:17 GMT
    The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
    The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
  • Local News

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:39:10 GMT
    A text message that says "I'm about to leave"  is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
    A text message that says "I'm about to leave"  is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.

     "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up.. This is horrible" said Royer.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 7:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:32:42 GMT

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    The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is that it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday.  That mild and humid air mass will fuel afternoon thunderstorms.

    By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain.  It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
    Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
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