Rental scam stalks Jackson Hole
Photo by: Tony Wan Kenobi
A rental scam is on the prowl stalking those seeking rental accommodations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Fraudsters behind the online scam are copying details of properties from original listings online and pasting them after replacing owner contact information with their own.
The scam is baiting victims by offering the properties at heavily discounted rent and deposit rates. It asks prospective renters to send their deposit quickly to block a place for themselves. With demand heavily outstripping supply here, law enforcement agencies fear the baits may be hard to resist.
So far one victim has been reported falling prey to the scam. Investigations by Jackson Police Department have revealed that the scam has its origins outside the country. They figure the scam uses multiple email addresses and cell phones in lieu of landline phone numbers to stake out victims.
The Department has issued some Do’s & Don’ts for prospective renters in the area:
- be suspicious of ads that offer only email contact with property owners or do not offer any landline numbers of the landowners.
- physically verify a property before sending any money to owners.
- verify ownership of the property by checking it out at the Teton County Web site.
- speak to somebody who is presently managing the property onsite & verify whether the property is really up for rent.
Source: JHGuide.com
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January 19th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
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