Fake Rental Property Scam Again Reported In Wyoming

Police in Rock Springs are warning people to be careful when trying to rent a home after several people report being scammed by bogus real estate agents.

That's according to a post on the Rock Springs Police Department Facebook page.

According to the post, the scam involves postings on the Facebook market place supposedly being rented by "Southwest Real Estate." While there is a legitimate business known as Southwest Real Estate in Rock Springs, they know about the scam and are not associated with it, according to police.

When people tried to rent the listed property, they were told to download an app called ''Rently" to get a code and access to the property.

Victims Sent Money Via Wire Transfer

Once they agreed to rent they property, they were told to send the first months rent and a deposit via a Walmart wire transfer.

When police were notified of the scam, the fake listing dissappeared and victims weren't able to contact the supposed real estate agent. Needless to say, their money was gone with little hope of getting it back.

While this is the most recent example of the fake rental scam, it isn't uncommon in Wyoming or across the country. In fact very similar scams have been reported in Albany County. And about a year ago, a nearly identical scam--again involving a phony ''Southwest Real Estate" listing, was reported in Rock Springs.

It's also known to have happened in Fort Collins, Colo. Because victims of scams are often embarrassed, it is probably a safe bet that many more people across Wyoming and Northern Colorado have fallen prey to the scheme.

Police say you should do due diligence anytime you are conducting transactions involving money and contracts.

Specific to the rental property scam, some experts say it's advisable to physically visit a property if possible before signing anything or giving anyone money.

You can learn more about scams and how to protect yourself at the FBI scams website.