Dear Residents,
We want to make you aware of a concerning trend in our community—rental scams. Recently, there has been an increase in fraudulent rental listings in Forest Park. Scammers are posting fake ads using copied photos and descriptions from legitimate listings and then collecting application fees via Venmo or other platforms.
To help you avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Verify Listings: Always cross-check the rental address online with the property owner’s or rental company’s name. If you find multiple ads for the same address but with different names, it could be a scam.
- Watch for Red Flags: Be wary of unusually low rent or exceptional amenities. Scammers might claim to be out of the country or give other excuses for not showing the property and may pressure you into making quick decisions.
- Avoid Sending Money: Never send payments for a property you haven’t seen or to individuals you haven’t met in person. Payments made via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are especially risky, as they are like sending cash.
For more information and tips on how to protect yourself, click here.
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