Realtors warn of rental scams as spring season approaches

The Batesville Board of Realtors is warning residents about an expected increase in rental scams as spring approaches, particularly following recent community devastation that has created higher demand for rental properties.

Local real estate officials report that scammers are increasingly sophisticated, stealing photos of homes and property interiors to create fraudulent rental listings. These scammers often request application fees with promises of reimbursement upon approval, followed by demands for deposits and rent before cutting off all communication.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” the Board of Realtors said in a community advisory released on Monday. This traditional warning remains relevant even as scammers develop more convincing tactics.

The Board recommends several precautionary measures for prospective renters:

First, verify if properties are actually for sale through local real estate agents or online listings, as homes on the market are rarely simultaneously available for rent.

Second, be wary of landlords unwilling to arrange in-person viewings of the property.

Third, exercise caution when dealing with individuals who insist on exclusively using online payment methods, such as CashApp, Venmo, or PayPal. While some legitimate landlords prefer electronic payments, most will accept traditional payment methods like cash or checks, given the prevalence of scams.

Finally, be suspicious of urgent demands for immediate payment with claims that others are interested in the property.

The advisory emphasized that recovery is typically impossible once funds are transferred through electronic methods.

Residents are encouraged to thoroughly verify all rental opportunities before sending any money.