Imagine you’ve finally saved up enough money to put a deposit on a place to rent and paid the first and last month’s rent, which could easily run over $2,000, only to find out the person you gave your money to really doesn’t have a house to rent.
With a shortage of rental properties available, scammers are taking advantage of people looking for housing. They’re using social media to track down people who have posted they need a place to rent, then they copy photos from legitimate listings, and pose as the owner or property manager. They might claim they live out of state, which is the case with many property owners here, and ask that you send the money electronically or via a pre-paid gift/credit card.
“These scammers are very good at what they do and are very savvy at carrying on a conversation to convince you they are legit and will continue to encourage you to do business with them,” Sheriff Robert Holland said. “Many times, their victims are desperate to find a place and these suspects will say anything to ease your mind and get you to fall for his/her trap.”
June Tassillo, a broker/owner with RE/Max Elite Realty in Franklin, said a scammer used photos from one of her sale listings to lure someone into thinking the house was for rent. Fortunately, someone suggested the potential victim call Tassillo to verify the house was for rent or sale.
“People are so desperate for rentals, they’re grasping,” she said.
She said scams like this were common when Craigslist first started and now people are using Facebook and other sites to get information and target people.
Tassillo, who is licensed to manage rental properties, said the only person who has the authority to offer a house for rent is the homeowner or a licensed agent who works as the property manager.
Renters can be at a disadvantage though since most rental properties are advertised by individuals rather than real estate offices.
There are not many real estate agents who manage rentals because there isn’t as much profit as selling a house, but Tassillo said they may be willing to help you confirm the availability of a rental property.
People can verify who owns the home by checking the address on deeds or tax records, which are available at the courthouse and online.
“Don’t ever give anybody money without confirming who the owner is,” Tassillo said. She also advises meeting in person when possible, rather than conducting business via text messages or social media. “You have to be careful. Just don’t do it until you know it’s legitimate”
As an added precaution, Holland said to not call the number the potential scammer provides and to do your own homework before making any financial transactions.
“Getting a victim’s hard-earned money refunded back to them is next to impossible to trace,” Holland said.
“These criminals are experts at deceiving people. Sitting behind a computer screen all day lurking for potential victims is how they make their living.”
Anyone who feels they have fallen victim to this scam should call the Macon County Sheriff’s Office at 828-349-2104.