The Searcy Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent rental listings appearing on Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms.
Police said a recent victim paid an application fee and additional money to view a home advertised for rent. The victim later discovered the online rental listing was fake.
Investigators are urging prospective renters to avoid sending money before seeing a property and verifying that the person advertising the home has the legal authority to rent it.
Fraudulent rental listings may use photographs and property descriptions copied from legitimate real estate advertisements.
Scammers may claim to be landlords, property managers or rental agents while pressuring victims to send application fees, deposits or other payments electronically.
Police are encouraging renters to verify listings directly with the property owner or an established real estate company.
Anyone considering renting a home should search the property’s address online to determine whether it is listed for sale or rent by another person or company.
Potential warning signs can include:
• Rental prices significantly below comparable properties
• Requests for payment before viewing the property
• Pressure to send money immediately
• Landlords who claim they cannot meet in person
• Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or payment applications
• Refusal to provide a written rental agreement
• Different names appearing on listings, payment accounts or property records
Renters should also avoid providing sensitive personal information until they have confirmed that a listing and landlord are legitimate.
Police said deals that appear too good to be true should be approached with caution.
Residents who believe they have encountered a fraudulent rental listing should save screenshots, messages, email addresses, phone numbers, payment receipts and other information connected to the transaction.
Suspected rental scams and financial losses should be reported to local law enforcement.
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