The Chattanooga Police Department is warning area residents about a "marked increase" in online rental scams, according to a Thursday CPD Facebook post.
The scam was common several years ago and appears to have resurfaced recently.
Suspects list what appear to be real apartments or houses for rent on Facebook and Craigslist, complete with photos and and property details. The renter sends electronic deposits to the suspect, but when they go to the property to move in, someone else is found to be living there already with no knowledge about the listing, the post states.
The CPD has provided the following tips to avoid this kind of scam:
* Visit the property in person.
* Never pay with cash, wire transfers or gift cards.
* Verify the landlord/property owner through city records.
* Do your research - plenty of information is available online.
* Compare prices to similar properties in the area.
* Work with people you know if at all possible.
* If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you or someone you know becomes a victim of a rental scam, report it to Chattanooga police at 423-698-2525 and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftc.gov/