Police: Be Aware of Rental Scams

Those hunting for an apartment or rental house are being warned of potentially deceitful practices that can scam victims out of hundreds – or thousands – of dollars.

In one report taken by Las Cruces police, a woman indicated she found a listing for a rental on a popular real estate website and began communicating with the person she thought was the landlord. The person sent a rental application that was signed by the woman, and the woman electronically transferred a deposit and first month’s rent via Apple Pay.

The woman became suspicious when she was asked for a key deposit and administrative fee from a separate individual. The woman reported losing about $1,800 during the scam.

In years past, the Las Cruces Police Department has received reports of similar rental scams from other victims who have found properties on web or social media sites. Police believe, in some cases, the listings themselves are fraudulently posted on legitimate sites by the perpetrators.

It appears the perpetrators are creating online advertisements for rental properties using actual photos of local homes and apartments. The photos and rental property descriptions were likely obtained from legitimate real estate listings. The only way to contact the ad creator was by cell, text or other electronic messages.

Unfortunately, only after transferring funds electronically, do victims learn that they have been scammed. Perpetrators of such scams commonly ask to be paid electronically because those transactions are difficult, if not impossible, to track.

Las Cruces police strongly encourage prospective renters to use caution, and exercise due diligence, prior to entering into any financial agreement to rent or lease property. Other tips include:

• Avoid engaging in a deal, or money transfer, when the only means of communication is conducted by phone or electronically
• Meet with the real estate agent, in person, at his or her office before signing any contracts and exchanging any money
• If possible, conduct a walk-through of the rental property with the landlord or real estate agent
• Review rental agreements thoroughly prior to signing a contract or transferring funds
• Be wary if the property owner claims to be traveling, lives out-of-state or is otherwise unable to meet in person – that’s likely an indication the rental listing is phony and an attempted scam
• Consider using the services of a licensed real estate agent who has a local office

Anyone who has been a victim of such a scam is encouraged to contact police immediately. In Las Cruces and Dona Ana County, victims can file a report by calling (575) 526-0795.