In a troubling trend, Facebook Marketplace rental scams have
resurfaced in Ohio, leaving more victims in their wake. Just weeks after a
Toledo couple fell prey to a rental scam and lost thousands of dollars, a
similar incident has occurred in Perrysburg, highlighting the ongoing threat
posed by these fraudulent listings.
Justen Held, a resident of Perrysburg, found himself caught
in the crosshairs of a rental scam while attempting to secure an apartment on
Hofford Road through Facebook Marketplace. With most of his belongings packed
and ready for the move, Held was shocked to discover that the listing he had
responded to was not legitimate.
The realization of the scam hit Held hard, as he had
believed the process to be safe and secure. In a moment of desperation, he
reached out to the I-TEAM, hoping to shed light on his unfortunate experience
and warn others of the dangers lurking on the popular online marketplace.
Held's ordeal began when the person he was communicating
with regarding the apartment abruptly stopped responding to his messages. Alarm
bells started ringing when he attempted to call the provided number, only to
find it disconnected. The Facebook Marketplace listing vanished, along with the
application fee of over $100 that Held had sent to the scammers.
However, the financial loss is not Held's only concern. The
scammers now possess a picture of his driver's license and his social security
number, putting him at risk of identity theft. This deeply troubling aspect of
the scam underscores the far-reaching consequences that victims may face beyond
the immediate monetary loss.
The apartment Held had hoped to rent is, in fact, available
for lease. I-TEAM Reporter Sophie Bates reached out to the listing Realtor, Jon
Modene, who confirmed that the Facebook Marketplace post was fraudulent. Modene
emphasized that his company does not advertise on the platform due to the
prevalence of scams.
Hannah Modene, the Communications Specialist for Jon
Modene's company, revealed that they have encountered several similar Facebook
Marketplace scams. She cautions renters that legitimate realtors or companies
will never request upfront showing deposits or fees. Additionally, she advises
individuals to search for the property address online to ensure they are
communicating with the correct person and rental site.
Held's experience serves as a stark reminder of the
importance of vigilance when searching for rental properties online. As
scammers become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, it is crucial for
renters to exercise caution and thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any listing
before providing personal information or making payments.
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As the rental scam epidemic continues to plague Ohio and
beyond, it is essential for law enforcement, online platforms, and the public
to work together to combat this issue. Increased awareness, improved security
measures, and a commitment to educating renters about the red flags associated
with rental scams are vital steps in protecting individuals from falling victim
to these insidious crimes.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a rental
scam on Facebook Marketplace or any other platform, it is crucial to report the
incident to the appropriate authorities and seek support from organizations
specializing in fraud prevention and victim assistance. By speaking out and
sharing experiences, we can help prevent others from falling prey to these
deceptive practices and work towards creating a safer online environment for
all.