CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — Several residents have reported being victims in a rental scam that is targeting people through social media and online ads, a representative for the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) said.
The affected residents responded to a Facebook Marketplace or Zillow ad for property that seemed to be legitimate, but for much lower rental price, an official said.
They reportedly contacted the person, signed documents and exchanged money electronically.
Police said the victims only learned that the ad was fake when they attempted to move in and found that the property was owned by someone else.
At that point, the victims are out money and do not have a place to move into.
WSAV previously covered a woman in Richmond Hill who was affected by a similar scam. She said she didn’t realize it was a fraud until a representative from the actual owner of the home, according to a police report, stopped by to check on the house.
The CCPD urged anyone looking for a rental property to use extreme caution during the process.
Here are some tips:
- Meet the person renting the property in person
- Ensure you're meeting the owner of the property or the property manager
- Make sure they're aware of the rental listing
- Verify the listing is legitimate
- Do not exchange any money until you've verified the person and the listing