Finding the right home to rent can be difficult. When a Rocky Mount couple saw an internet ad for a four year-old home for rent in the Glen Iris subdivision off Earpsboro Road in northern Johnston County they responded immediately.
The couple emailed the person who placed the ad, was able to gain access to the home, and later wired the first month’s rent, security deposit and HOA fee totaling $2,824 and moved in.
A couple of days later the real owner of the property showed up and wanted to know why they had moved their belongings into his home. The couple had been scammed and was forced to move.
Scammers often see legitimate real estate and rental listings and copy the photos. They place ads with the goal of getting your money before you realize it isn’t their home.
If the property owner can’t meet you in person, asks you to wire money for the deposit and rent, it should be a red flag.
If you are the victim of a rental scam report it to local police and to the Federal Trade Commission.
