In your search for a new residence, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office urges you to be mindful of a common crime known as the “Rental Scam.”

Home rentals are commonly advertised online or on popular apps, making it difficult to spot a legitimate listing from a scam. This crime doesn’t just affect buyers, it also impacts homeowners and real estate agents.

Scammers will impersonate real estate owners and sell a piece of property that they do not own to unsuspecting buyers. The scammer will use public records to assume the identity of the landowner and pretend to be the owner of that property.

Below are tips for avoiding rental property scams.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, please contact the Pasco Sheriff's

Office Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or report tips online at https://www. pascosheriff.com/tips/.♥