Over the past year, the Ojai Police Department has seen an increase in thefts related to scams. Recent scam attempts have been rental ads using online listing sites like Craigslist. Many times, scammers use photos and links to previously rented properties to create a phony listing. The Ojai Police Department would like to remind the public when using online listing services, do your research. Use legitimate websites like Zillow to compare rental prices to other listings. To avoid being the victim of a scam, some things to remember:
- Contact local real estate agents or property management companies to inquire about the property.
- Avoid providing deposits up front before viewing the property, both inside and outside.
- Always meet the landlord in person and limit the amount of personal information provided prior to viewing the property.
- Legitimate property owners / management companies will always make plans to meet in person. If the landlord only wants to communicate via email or text, this could be a fraudulent ad.
Remember the age-old phrase, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” If you feel you have been the victim of a scam, contact the Ojai Police Department at (805) 646-1414 or after hours through Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 654-9511.
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