Boise Police, Idaho attorney general warn of increase in rental home scams
State and local authorities are warning Idahoans about possible scams involving fake rental listings.
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and the Boise Police Department are spreading the word about fake listings on Craigslist and other websites meant to scam people out of money, according to a news release from the AG’s office.
The scams aren’t new, but the fake ads have been “unusually prominent” in recent weeks, according to Ed Fritz, Boise Police crime prevention supervisor.
Officials say scammers will use pictures from homes listed legitimately on rental or home-sales websites. Then the scammers make fake posts advertising the home at an “unusually low” price. Potential renters respond to the ad and the scammers ask for money to be sent through apps such as Venmo or Zelle.
The AG’s Consumer Protection Division has found similar scams popping up in the Treasure Valley. The division found that some scammers had gained access to rental lock boxes, allowing potential residents inside for viewings, which makes the scammers look legitimate.
Fake ads can be circulated just about anywhere in the state, as Craigslist offers services in Boise, Twin Falls, Lewiston and East Idaho.
Police are encouraging anyone in the market for a rental to be extra careful when searching.
If a deal seems too good to be true, odds are it is, they say. Scammers typically post on websites that offer free listings. Police say to do a search of the address and property description, and to look for alterations such as blurry spots in photos.
As always, never send gift cards or wire money to secure a rental property, officials said, and be cautious sending money through apps.
If you have been a victim or target of a rental scam, report it to local law enforcement, Idaho’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission. Also contact the website where the ad was placed so it can be taken down, the release said.
