BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) — The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a new scam in which people are posting fake ads for local homes on Craigslist.
The scammers post an ad for a home that’s for lease in the area on an online sale platform, usually Craigslist. However, fake information is attached to the ad, so potential buyers are only communicating with the scammers, according to a department Facebook post.
The scammers make up a story explaining why the “landlord” is out of town, so they can’t show the home. The scammers ask for money in the form of Moneygrams, which is a money transfer service.
The sheriff’s office asks people to be cautious while making online transactions and to hold off exchanging money if you have any doubts or concerns.
Anyone who has been the victim of a fraud is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement office immediately.
