A new type of online scam is becoming prevalent, particularly in Florida.

Scammers now have the ability to duplicate and sell anything online, including entire rental properties. This new fraudulent scheme has emerged, causing various issues. Here’s how it works: A scammer comes across a genuine online rental advertisement of your property. They duplicate all the details and images and then post the same property on other websites, offering it at a lower price. They deceive potential renters online into paying them, only to disappear without a trace.

This scam poses problems for property owners and can result in significant financial losses for unsuspecting online renters who believed they were securing your rental property. Both seller and landlord impersonation have been existing schemes, but they are increasingly widespread nowadays.

If you are a property owner, exercise caution when advertising your property online. Perform a search for your own property to check if someone is using your advertisement on different platforms at a discounted rate. If you are in the market for renting or buying a property, always insist on meeting the landlord or property owner face-to-face. If a seller or landlord avoids in-person meetings, consider it a major warning sign and avoid them. If a suspicious individual claims to represent a real estate agency, obtain their name and contact the company directly. Research the company’s credibility on platforms like the Better Business Bureau to verify their authenticity.