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Investigation underway into rental scam

Investigation underway into rental scam
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By West Kentucky Star staff
9 hours ago | PADUCAH
By West Kentucky Star staff Jan. 14, 2025 | 11:05 AM | PADUCAH
The McCracken County Sheriff's Office began investigating a scam Monday involving the rental of a house.

The false rental advertisement was located by a victim on Facebook Marketplace.

The victim told deputies that he had located a listing on Facebook Marketplace of a house for rent. When the victim contacted the phone number on the fake advertisement, the suspect requested a deposit via the Chime app.

When the victim traveled to meet the landlord to obtain the keys to the residence, the “landlord” was not there. The alleged landlord, the suspect, then asked the victim for additional money through Chime.

Deputies discovered that the suspect is outside of the United States and is utilizing an internet “spoofing” program to appear to be a valid phone number within the USA.

Deputies also identified at least one other fake rental advertisement on Facebook Marketplace.

While the internet and social media such as Facebook Marketplace are great tools, everyone should use caution when purchasing items or sending any information solely via the internet.

The McCracken County Courthouse has parking spaces available for in person transactions that began through the internet in an effort to combat fraud and to make meeting in person safe.


 
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