If you own a rental property or even have a property listed for sale, beware! It could be used to commit an ongoing online scam. The fraudster advertises the property to bait perspective tenants into leasing the premises by posting pictures online of the actual property, including pictures of the interior.

In this scam, the fraudster obtains property information and photographs from actual property listing websites and creates a fake rental advertisement. A perspective tenant contacts the fraudster directly and is convinced to put up their security deposit along with the first month's rent, all without even physically seeing the property.

The crime is often committed when the would–be tenant is moving from one city or state to another, and is unable to afford to preview the property. In addition, the monthly rent is typically well below market for the property type and location.

Once the prospective tenant puts up the money, the fictitious landlord severs all contact with the tenant — the fraudster does not answer the phone and does not return emails. When the tenant shows up to the property, it is often already occupied or locked — and the tenant has no hope of gaining possession. The tenant is out the money he sent for security deposit and rent, but has no place in which to live.

Property owners and/or landlords should protect their property from this online scam by using online services such as Google Alerts™. With Google Alerts, the owner or his agent will receive notification and be able to follow up on any suspicious activity, if the property address is copied and used on another Internet website.

Setting up a Google Alerts is easy. Search Google Alerts from any search engine and then follow the step–by–step instructions. If you find your property being used in a potential online scam, be sure to follow these steps in order to assist the authorities to end the scam:

• Copy the link to the fraudulent advertisement and/or a screen shot
• Contact local law enforcement to make them aware of the scam
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1
• Notify the security team managing the website where the posting is located

One other important tip is to regularly review Google Images™ of your property. Hovering over the images of the property will indicate what website to which they are posted and will reveal any illegal postings of photographs to perpetrate the scam.