Somerset police warn of residential rental property scams

SOMERSET, Ky. (WKYT) - The Somerset Police Department warned residents Friday to be aware of scams involving residential rental property.

Police said that scammers are posing as property owners, rental agents or representatives of rental companies and are soliciting upfront payments for security deposits or application fees through Cash App.

Victims learned that, once payment was sent, they had never been conversing with an owner or company.

Somerset police said the following tips can keep people and their money safe:

• Always verify that you are communicating with a legitimate property owner or rental company.
• Be cautious of anyone requesting deposits or application fees through peer-to-peer payment apps.
• Never send money for a property before verifying the listing or the person you are dealing with.
• If something seems too good to be true, take a step back and investigate.