Long Branch Scam Puts Fake Home Rentals On Market: Police

LONG BRANCH, NJ — A scammer has been putting up false rental-home ads in Long Branch for properties they don't own, police said. The scammer might be targeting the Brazilian community, according to police.

The scheme involves homes that have been legitimately listed for sale or rent. But someone then falsely advertises them as rental properties on Craigslist and claims to be the owner, police said.

The scammer then requests personal info from the interested renter. He or she contacts them and asks them to send money for a security deposit, police said. In some cases, the scammer says he or she will mail a key for the money.

This could affect Long Branch homeowners with property for sale. If they notice random people coming to look at their house without an appointment, a scammer may have directed them to the property, police said.

Long Branch police reminded people to never send money or personal info to a stranger. If you have any information on this scam, contact Long Branch PD at 732-222-1000.

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