The North Brunswick Police Department has encountered what it is describing as “too good to be true” property rental deals on the internet.
A scammer will list a home or apartment for rent at a fairly low, below market price, according to a statement provided by the department. Most of the time, the pictures are copied from legitimate listings.
After contact is made with the “seller”, the interested party is instructed to fill out an application. After receiving the application, the “seller” will provide a reason as to why he/she cannot be present to show the person the property; excuses range from a sick family member to already having moved out of the country. However, the “seller” will instruct the person to send a security deposit/first month’s rent via Western Union/online payment services to secure the lease, according to police.
Once payment is received, a set of “house keys” are delivered. However, because the seller does not actually own the property, the keys will not work, and the person will have lost the money.
Police warn that the scams are difficult to track, and are often from outside of the U.S.
Use caution when making any kind of real estate transaction and seek professional assistance.
