The Gainesville Police Department has reported an increase in rental scams, and are warning residents to think twice before sending money.
Scammers typically will “rent” a property that they do not own or have the authority to rent. They try to sign interested tenants as quickly as possible, before the unassuming tenants realize the property does not exist.
Rental advertisements can be convincing, too. Gainesville Chief of Police Jay Parrish said in a press release that scammers use legitimate rental listings, but will falsify the contact information.
If a supposed landlord does not want to show renters the property, or if they encourage self-guided or internet tours instead, renters should be wary.
Renters should make sure the asking rent matches up with the property. If the landlord pressures a prospective tenant to quickly wire money, this should stand out as a red flag.
To avoid being scammed, the Gainesville Police Department advises renters to research the landlord. A landlord who does not live in the country or does not want to meet in-person has the potential to be a scammer.
“We encourage the public to seek guidance from a professional and step away from a deal that seems too good to be true,” Parrish said.
