Police: ‘Rental scams’ rising in Round Rock

AUSTIN (KXAN) — If the price of a place for rent seems “too good to be true,” the Round Rock Police Department said it probably is.

“Over the past few weeks, detectives have investigated multiple reports of individuals being deceived into paying for rental properties by scammers who have no legal authority to rent them,” police said on social media Friday.

Police said these type of “scams” start as “fake rental listings” that are posted on social media and housing websites.

“Victims are often pressured to send money or share personal information quickly to ‘secure’ a property that either does not exist or is being falsely represented,” police said.

RRPD shared some tips with the community on how to stay vigilant:

• First visit the property before paying any money
• Verify the property owner through county records
• Never send money via Zelle, Venmo, etc. to a rental until it is confirmed legitimate
• Do not fall for high-pressure tactics, like “act fast or lose it”
• “If the rent looks too good to be true, it probably is”

If anyone believes they were a possible victim of this “rental scam,” they can report it to RRPD at 512-218-5500 or report the “scams” to the Federal Trade Commission’s website.