The Euless Police Department has issued a warning about a pernicious rental scam circulating through various online platforms. The scam has already duped residents out of thousands of dollars. As reported by the Euless Police Department, fake rental home listings are being posted on platforms such as Facebook, Craigslist, and Rently.
These fraudsters, oftentimes located overseas, are scouting for listings to exploit, initiating conversations through email or text message. To the victims seduced by their ploys, what follows is an elaborate hoax. The scammers provide seemingly legitimate information about the property, and sometimes even a key code for potential renters to do a walk-through. With victims offered fictitious paperwork to sign and instructed to deposit money into specific bank accounts, or pay via platforms like CashApp, Zelle, or Venomo, the scam comes full circle. Once the money is sent and confirmed, the fraudster's account is emptied and all communication ceases.
The current situation has prompted the Euless Police Department to urge due diligence. They advise the public to use only verified business websites tied to real estate rentals, and to avoid signing any leases, sending money, or touring any properties until all available information has been thoroughly vetted. Due to the challenging nature of these scams involving international internet activity, the police acknowledge the unfortunate truth that victims might have little to no recourse should they fall prey.
Anyone with concerns about a rental listing or a financial transaction is encouraged to reach out to the Euless Police Department. The department can be contacted at 817-685-1500, directing calls to the Criminal Investigation Division, or 817-685-1526 for non-emergencies. As they wittily put it in their community alert, stay vigilant to keep your bank accounts "FabEuless."
