Orange County Warns Residents About Rental Scams on Social Media

Officials in Orange County have recently advised residents to be cautious of rental scams appearing on social media platforms.

The Placentia Police Department (PPD) has shared tips on how potential renters can safeguard themselves and what to do if they encounter a fraudulent Facebook post.

“We’ve noticed an increase in rental scams on social media sites like Facebook Marketplace, TikTok, and Instagram. Scammers are taking photos and descriptions from real estate listings and reusing them as fake rental properties at attractive prices, aimed at stealing your money,” the PPD explained.

To avoid falling victim, the department suggests searching for the property’s address online and checking if it’s genuinely listed on reliable sites like Zillow or Realtor.com. It’s worth verifying if the property is associated with a different agent before transferring any funds.

The police also highlighted key red flags to watch for, such as unusually low rental prices and landlords requesting deposits before any viewings.

A recent incident brought a rental scam to light when a resident in Northern California stumbled upon it. A stranger, inquiring about her neighbor’s house, prompted her to investigate. The resident alerted her neighbor, who then found out his home had been falsely listed for a mere $800.

If someone does become a victim of such scams, they should promptly contact their bank to freeze their assets and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, the Placentia Police encourage victims to report the fraudulent listing on the respective platform and to reach out to law enforcement at 714-993-8164.