Officials in Orange County, California, are warning residents about an increasing number of rental property scams circulating on social media platforms. The Placentia Police Department (PPD) has outlined measures for potential renters to protect themselves and steps to take if they become victims.
According to the PPD, scammers are currently stealing photos and descriptions from legitimate real estate listings, often homes that are currently for sale or listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). These stolen assets are then reposted as rental properties with significantly lower prices, designed to deceive individuals and steal their money. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, TikTok, and Instagram are being used to disseminate these fraudulent listings.
Authorities advise prospective renters to avoid sending money until they have physically inspected the property with a trusted individual. They also recommend searching the property address online to verify its legitimacy and check if it is listed for sale on reputable sites such as Zillow or Realtor.com, often under a different real estate agent's name.
Key indicators of a potential scam include rental prices that appear too good to be true or landlords demanding a deposit before allowing a viewing of the property. These red flags are crucial for renters to identify and avoid potential fraud.
Recently, similar rental scams were exposed in Northern California. In one instance, an East Bay resident was alerted to a scam when a stranger approached him inquiring if the house next door was occupied, as it had been falsely listed for rent at $800 per month. The resident informed his neighbor, who then discovered the fraudulent listing of his home.
Individuals who believe they have fallen victim to a rental scam are encouraged to contact their banks immediately to freeze any transactions. Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is also advised. The Placentia Police Department further urges victims to report the deceptive listing to the social media platform where it was found and to file a police report by calling 714-993-8164.