Fake Craigslist online classified ads that aim to scam prospective renters are nothing new. Craigslist’s website even warns prospective renters against scams by recommending they always work with local landlords and never submit a rental deposit without looking inside a rental, for example.

But a recent crop of scams that advertise inexpensive rentals pose a new danger to anyone looking for housing in Corvallis’ tight rental market.

“I think it’s easier in a tight market to scam people because they’re desperate,” said Bob Loewen, housing program specialist for the city of Corvallis.

The tight housing market means those in need of housing may ignore one of the biggest scam tip-offs: incredibly low monthly rents. Loewen estimates the current rental market vacancy rate in Corvallis to be consistently less than 1 percent for more than a year, largely due to the growth of Oregon State University’s population.

Event those who’ve tried to take precautions can find themselves hoodwinked.

Maigyn Luthe of Corvallis had never tried to secure her own rental before she found a steal: a two-bedroom house for $600.

“It’s hard to find a place in my price range,” she said.