The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents to be aware of rental property scams involving legitimate real estate listings.
According to the department, scammers may copy photos and information from legitimate properties listed for sale and then pose as the property owner or landlord while falsely advertising the property for rent.
Scammers may offer the property at an unusually low rental price and pressure potential renters to send a deposit, first month’s rent, an application fee, or another type of payment before verifying the property or the person offering it.
The Sheriff’s Department recommends verifying that the person offering a rental actually owns or manages the property. Residents are also encouraged to be cautious when a property listed for sale is simultaneously being offered for rent and, when possible, view the property in person and independently verify who they are dealing with before paying a deposit.
Officials warn residents against sending money simply because someone claims they must act quickly to secure a rental. The department also advises additional caution when someone requests payment through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash apps or other payment methods that may be difficult to recover.
The Sheriff’s Department encourages residents to stop and verify the information before sending money if something about a rental offer does not seem right.
