LAGRANGE, Ga. — The LaGrange Police Department is warning people not to believe everything they read on social media.
Police said they’re investigating several reports of people trying to rent houses listed on Facebook Marketplace, only to lose thousands because the houses are vacant and for sale by a legitimate realty company.
These phony landlords or property managers insist on doing all business via email, phone, text but won’t meet in person. Police say the schemers are using email and phone numbers not traceable to any person.
They also will demand security deposits and first month’s rent via Cash App, Apple Pay or Venmo and will email a lease to the victim. But in the end, the victims are defrauded of thousands.
LaGrange PD encourages anyone looking to rent a property to go through a property company or a real estate agent.
Police urge anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Detective F. Montondo at 706-883-2639.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through the Tip411 system, either through the mobile application, through the online portal or by texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411.
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