SBSO WARNS RESIDENTS OF RENTAL SCAM
St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann would like to inform residents of a rental scam that has been brought to his attention.
The Sheriff’s Office was recently contacted by a victim who reported being scammed out of money by someone posing as the property owner or listing agent for a residential property for rent located in Chalmette.
The Sheriff said the suspect, who claimed to be the property owner, instructed the victim to wire money through Apple Pay, and then made arrangements by phone to meet them outside of the rental where he requested cash payment for the first month’s rent.
After the victim handed over a cash payment, the suspect then fled in a black pickup truck.
Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Sheriff Pohlmann said, detectives learned the property was in fact being listed as a rental by a local realtor; however, the suspect was not affiliated with the listing agent or owners of the property.
Sheriff Pohlmann wants residents to be aware of these types of crimes and to remain vigilant when dealing with anyone online.
“These types of crimes are difficult to solve sometimes because these con artists have technology that allows them to spoof phone numbers, email addresses and even credentials,” he said.
The Sheriff said residents should always be wary of someone who asks for payment by any unusual means.
“Under no circumstances should you pay someone with gift cards or wire money to them,” he said, “and when possible, ask to meet at the business in which they claim to work for, and call ahead to verify they are an employee with the company.”
If you have been a victim of this type of scam or anything similar, you are asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 to make a report.
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