VERO BEACH — A homeowner was approached by would-be rent-to-owners who discovered her home listed on Craigslist, prompting Vero police to warn the public about the potential scam.
The homeowner, whose home is listed for sale, contacted the Vero Beach Police Department when two people told her the home was found on Craigslist as a “Rent-to-Own” property. The listing had contact information for a person in New York who claims to be the owner, police said.
The individuals only communicated with the New York “owner” via text messages.
“VBPD urges our residents to be very cautious when dealing with online transactions,” the department said in a prepared release.
Authorities recommend residents perform contract signing and monetary exchanges in person whenever possible and to be wary of out-of-state contacts listed on local postings.
“And as always, remember, if the listing sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” the department said.
Anyone who suspects suspicious or fraudulent activity is encouraged to contact the Vero Beach Police Department by calling (772) 978-4600 or your local law enforcement agency.
