The Evansville Police Department is warning of rental property scams on social media. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:
EPD Sgt. Trudy Day says police have received reports of potential renters falling victim to someone pretending to be a representative for a property.
The victim then finds out -- after sending money through a cash app -- that the person receiving the money has no authority over the property.
Day says most of the scammers are not local to Evansville but they mimic legitimate property listings and ask for money to be sent for a rental application fee, a security down payment, or for some other reason.
Scammers might also pressure you to make quick decisions, ask for rent or deposit without a signed lease, or avoid meeting in person.
If you come across a suspicious rental listing, report it to the website's administrators or moderators and notify the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.gov.
If you’ve been the victim of a rental property scam you can contact the Evansville Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit at 812-436-7991.