Facebook Marketplace rental scam costs victims thousands in LaGrange
Police in LaGrange are warning the public after a surge in rental scams linked to listings on Facebook Marketplace has left multiple victims out thousands of dollars.
According to the LaGrange Police Department, investigators have handled several fraud cases over the past month involving individuals attempting to rent homes they found advertised online.
In each case, the suspect posed as a landlord or property manager but refused to meet in person. Instead, all communication was conducted through email, text messages, or phone calls. Victims were instructed to send security deposits and first month’s rent through payment apps such as Cash App, Apple Pay, or Venmo.
Police say scammers often went as far as sending victims what appeared to be legitimate lease agreements. However, after payments were made, victims discovered the homes were not actually for rent. In many cases, the properties were vacant homes listed for sale by legitimate real estate companies with no knowledge of any rental arrangement.
Authorities say the suspects are using fake identities, untraceable phone numbers, and email addresses, making it difficult to track them down.
The LaGrange Police Department is urging anyone looking to rent or purchase a home to work directly with a verified property management company or licensed realtor to ensure the transaction is legitimate.
Anyone with information related to these scams is asked to contact Detective F. Montondo at 706-883-2639.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Tip411 system via its mobile app, online portal, or by texting the keyword “LAGRANGE” to 847411.
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