Being right next door to Disney World and all the other theme parks makes Kissimmee a popular spot for tourists — but this can also appeal to scammers.

  • Families scammed out of thousands from fake Craiglist ad
  • Sue Johnson said scammer is using vacation home she rents out
  • Johnson says she's had difficulties getting in touch w/ Craigslist

Sue Johnson, who rents out a vacation home in Kissimmee, said someone has been using her property on a fake ad through Craigslist.

“The scammer is very thorough,” she explained.

The scammer is offering her house for half of what she usually lists it at per night. She said she's had five families get fooled already.

While Johnson owns several properties here in the Kissimmee area, she lives out of state and feels that might make her more of a target.

“Well it’s very frustrating. It hasn't caused me any financial difficulties yet, but it’s caused five other families problems,” Johnson said.

Some of these families paid in full using cash applications. They have shown up to the house expecting a key, but when they get there, the home is already occupied.

Reports filed with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office show that one family was scammed out of $1,400 and another family more than $700. These allegations are being investigated, but for Johnson, that’s just not enough.

“I would hope that Craigslist would make the people prove that they actually own the property to be able to advertise it to rent on the site,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she checks Craigslist every day and flags the deceiving ad if she catches it. Johnson tells Spectrum News 13 she’s had a hard time getting a hold of Craigslist to try and correct the problem.

We reached out to Craigslist and are waiting on a response.