TPD still receiving calls regarding a real estate rental scam 
On June 19, 2014, the Torrance Police Department sent out information regarding a rental scam. The Torrance Police Department has seen a recent spike in citizen calls regarding the same rental scam.
In most of the cases the suspect(s) will select a residence and post it on various real estate websites, advertising that the home is for rent. The top three websites that the suspect(s) are using are Craigslist, Trulia and Backpage.
The email and phone numbers used in the posts are fictitious. The phone numbers are commonly attached to pre-paid phones or their true phone numbers are masked using an application or website. The ads typically have emails attached and are typically Hotmail or Yahoo accounts. Once the scam is over, the suspect(s) delete the email accounts and toss the pre-paid phones.
When inquiries are made from the victim to rent the location the suspect engages in conversation. During conversations between victim and suspect regarding the rental property, the suspect most commonly states the house is currently occupied or they are unable to show the home because of an emergency that led the suspect out of town.
The suspect(s) require payment up front. The suspect(s) will always ask for first and last payments and a security deposit before the home is shown to the victim. The suspects commonly will send multiple photos of the home that they acquired off of the internet or they may visit an open house and take their own photos.
The victims are usually out a few thousand dollars before they realize it’s a scam and the numbers/emails are no longer good.
The Torrance Police Department recommends that if you are planning on renting a residence make sure you look at the residence before making a down payment.
“See Something, Say Something”
Emergency 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 310-328-3456
Provided By:
Torrance Police Department
Community Affairs Division
310-618-6391 or 310-618-6392
www.YouTube.com/TPDCommAffairs
Address/Location
Torrance Police Department
3300 Civic Center Dr
Torrance, CA 90503
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 310-328-3456
