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Cayuga County's Rental Scams: Beware and Verify!

Staff Report / FLXlocal.org

**Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office Issues Scam Alert for Rental Properties and Real Estate**

Cayuga County is experiencing a rise in rental property and real estate scams, according to the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office. Local authorities are urging residents to be aware of the warning signs associated with these fraud attempts.

Scammers often take photos of vacant homes and post them on various rental websites, falsely advertising them for rent. They typically claim they can only communicate through email, citing reasons such as being deaf or too busy. Potential renters are often told they can view the property from the outside but cannot enter. Interested individuals are then asked to send a deposit, which may include one month's rent or a security deposit. In some cases, a lease is signed, leading the renter to believe they have secured the property. However, many victims discover that the check has been cashed and the property is not actually available for rent.

Recently, Matt Chalanick from a Real Estate Agency in Auburn received an email from someone pretending to be a property owner in Cayuga County, requesting a market analysis and a subsequent listing agreement. Chalanick’s suspicions were raised, prompting him to ask for a phone call. Upon speaking with the individual, he discovered they had detailed knowledge about the property, which is publicly accessible. Upon further investigation, Chalanick confirmed that the person did not own the property and was attempting to perpetrate a scam.

The Sheriff's Office advises anyone looking to rent or purchase property to verify the identity of individuals and ensure they know who they are dealing with to avoid becoming a victim of such scams.

Source: Cayuga County Sheriff's Office

Source Type: Police

Source Location: Cayuga County

Oct 16, 2024 at 11:04 AM

Police