Kennesaw Police Issue Warning About Rental Scams

Recently, the Kennesaw police department has issued a warning to the public about rental scams that have been on the rise in the area. These scams can often leave victims without a place to live and out of a significant amount of money. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the signs of a rental scam and take steps to protect themselves from falling victim.

Rental scams can take many forms, from fake listings on popular rental websites to fraudulent landlords posing as legitimate property owners. In some cases, scammers will ask for payment upfront without allowing the victim to see the property in person or sign a lease agreement. This can lead to individuals being left homeless and without any recourse for recovering their funds.

To avoid falling victim to a rental scam, it is essential to do thorough research on any property you are considering renting. Be sure to visit the property in person, ask for references from previous tenants, and never provide payment until you have signed a lease agreement. Additionally, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are.

If you believe you have been the victim of a rental scam, it is important to report the incident to the authorities immediately. By taking swift action, you can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams in the future.

Overall, being aware of the signs of a rental scam and taking steps to protect yourself can help ensure that you find a safe and legitimate place to live. Stay informed and stay safe!

Kennesaw police are issuing a warning about rental scams. https://t.co/QzczmCA9QH

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What is the warning issued by Kennesaw police?

The Kennesaw police department has recently issued a warning to residents about rental scams that have been on the rise in the area. These scams involve individuals posing as landlords or property managers and advertising fake rental properties.

According to a report by AJC, the police have received multiple reports of individuals falling victim to these scams, losing thousands of dollars in the process.

How do these rental scams work?

The scammers typically create fake listings on popular rental websites, offering properties at below-market rates to attract potential victims. They may use photos of legitimate properties to make their listings appear more convincing.

Once a victim shows interest in a property, the scammer will request a deposit or advance payment to secure the rental. They may come up with excuses for why they cannot show the property in person or provide a lease agreement, claiming they are out of town or dealing with a family emergency.

What steps can residents take to avoid falling for these scams?

1. Verify the legitimacy of the listing: Before making any payments or signing any agreements, residents should do their due diligence to confirm that the rental listing is legitimate. They can search for the property address online or contact the actual property owner or management company to verify the listing.

2. Insist on viewing the property in person: Residents should never agree to rent a property without first viewing it in person. If a landlord or property manager refuses to allow a viewing or makes excuses for why they cannot show the property, it is likely a scam.

3. Avoid making advance payments: Residents should be wary of any landlord or property manager who requests an advance payment or deposit before a lease agreement is signed. Legitimate landlords will typically require a security deposit and first month’s rent upon signing the lease, not before.

4. Use reputable rental websites: Residents should stick to using well-known rental websites that have verification processes in place to prevent fraudulent listings. Sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com are good options for finding legitimate rental properties.

5. Report suspicious listings: If residents come across a rental listing that seems too good to be true or raises red flags, they should report it to the website hosting the listing and to local law enforcement. This can help prevent other potential victims from falling for the scam.

What are the consequences of falling for a rental scam?

Falling for a rental scam can have serious financial implications for residents. In addition to losing the money they paid as a deposit or advance payment, victims may also face challenges finding alternative housing if they were relying on the fake rental property.

Moreover, victims of rental scams may experience feelings of violation and betrayal, as they were misled by individuals they believed to be trustworthy landlords or property managers. It is important for residents to remain vigilant and cautious when searching for rental properties to avoid falling victim to these scams.

In conclusion, the warning issued by Kennesaw police serves as a reminder for residents to be cautious and thorough in their search for rental properties. By following the steps outlined above and staying informed about common rental scams, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.