Sheriff’s Department warns of rental fraud in La Quinta
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department - La Quinta Station issued a warning to residents to be watchful of rental fraud following a number of recent cases in the city.
According to the Sheriff's Department, in a rental fraud case, a suspect duplicates a listing online as a rental property.
"When someone is interested in a listing, they will be asked to send a deposit in exchange for keys. The victims sent rental deposits, either by check or wire transfer. Travelers arrive, and find the houses they had reserved were not actually available," reads a notice by the Sheriff's Department.
Authorities shared tips to avoid becoming another victim of a rental scam.
- Don't pay in cash or via a wire transfer. Checks and credit cards may offer some sort of protection in the event of fraud.
- Whenever possible, don't send payment through the mail. Arrange to meet with the owner or agent at the property.
- If possible, inspect the property before renting. Obtain identification from whoever claims to be renting out the property.
- Before paying any money, call a local title company or a local real estate office and ask them for a property profile of the address. Verify the name of the owner. Look online for rental scams with that address or the name of the owner.
- Be suspicious of high-security deposits. The more demanded upfront, the higher likelihood that it is a scam.
