Reporting A Rental Scam
Unfortunately, rental property scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. With the rise of online rental platforms and the ease of communication through technology, scammers have found new ways to deceive unsuspecting renters. These scams can take many forms, from fake listings for properties that do not exist, to fraudulent landlords who demand payment before providing access to a rental property. In some cases, scammers even use real listings and pose as the property owner or manager, asking renters to wire money or send a deposit before they can secure the rental. As a result, it is important for renters to be cautious when searching for rental properties online and to always verify the legitimacy of a rental listing and the individuals involved before making any payments.
If you have been scammed on a rental in Missouri, you should report it to the proper authorities as soon as possible. Here are the steps you should take:
Contact the local police department or sheriff's office and file a report. Make sure to provide as much information as possible about the scam and any individuals involved.
Contact the Missouri Attorney General's Office. They have a Consumer Protection Division that investigates scams and frauds. You can file a complaint online at https://ago.mo.gov/civil-division/consumer/ or by calling their Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 392-8222.
Contact the Better Business Bureau of Missouri. They can help you resolve the issue with the business or individual involved in the scam. You can file a complaint online at https://www.bbb.org/us/mo or by calling their local office.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint. The FTC collects complaints about scams and can help law enforcement authorities bring scammers to justice.
Finally, if you paid for the rental with a credit card, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge and request a refund.
Remember to keep any evidence you have of the scam, including emails, text messages, and receipts. This information will be helpful when filing a report or complaint.
