Jaurna Jenkins

It appears you were the target of a rental listing scam by someone posing as a landlord (cody_sonnet@yahoo.com with phone number 12312526385). They likely pressured you to send money for a property without ever seeing it in person. This is a well-known tactic fraudsters use to steal money from unsuspecting renters. Here's what you can do:

1. Report the Scam: First, report the scammer to the platform where you found the listing (if applicable) and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. Reporting helps track scammers and protects others from falling victim.

2. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: If you already sent money, immediately contact your bank or credit card company to report the incident and see if they can help recover your funds.

3. Change Your Passwords: If you communicated with the scammer through email or provided any login details, change your passwords for those accounts as soon as possible.

Rental listing scams are unfortunately common, but by following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to one:

• Verify the Landlord's Identity: Don't just rely on the information provided in the listing. Try to verify the landlord's identity through public records or by contacting the property owner directly. Many counties have online property record databases where you can search by address to find the owner's name.

• Use a Rental Platform with Verification: Look for rental properties on platforms that have screening processes in place for landlords. These platforms may also offer renter protection guarantees, which can provide some financial security in case of scams.

• Never Pay Sight Unseen: This is a major red flag. Insist on viewing the property in person before sending any money or signing a lease agreement. Schedule the viewing during daylight hours and bring a friend or family member for safety.

• Beware of Urgent Requests: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into sending money quickly. Don't be rushed into making a decision. Take your time, ask questions, and do your research before committing to anything.

• Research the Property Online: Search the property address online to see if there are any other listings for it, or if it's been used in other scams. You can also use reverse image search to see if the pictures used in the listing are being used elsewhere online.

• Be Wary of Unrealistic Rent Prices: If the rent seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure potential victims with suspiciously low rent prices.

• Trust Your Gut: If something about the listing or the landlord feels off, don't ignore it. It's always better to be safe than sorry. If the landlord avoids meeting you in person or seems hesitant to answer your questions, walk away from the deal.

By following these tips and conducting thorough due diligence, you can be more confident in spotting rental listing scams and avoid losing money to fraudsters. Remember, there are many legitimate rental properties out there, so don't let scammers pressure you into making a rushed decision.