JASPER — The Dubois County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public warning regarding a rising real estate scam targeting residents looking for affordable housing options online.
According to authorities, scammers are stealing photographs of local homes—which are not actually for rent or sale—and creating fraudulent listings on social media, primarily Facebook Marketplace. The deceptive posts are designed to exploit individuals seeking property by pretending to be the legitimate landlords or homeowners.
Sheriff’s deputies highlighted a specific tactic used in a recent local case where scammers demanded a $70 application fee from an interested renter. The fraudster insisted that the fee be paid electronically before the applicant would even be allowed to physically view the property. Once the money is sent through digital payment apps, the “landlord” typically cuts off all communication, leaving the victim out of pocket with no recourse.
This type of rental fraud often relies on creating a false sense of urgency, with scammers pressuring victims to secure the property immediately due to high demand.
Protecting Yourself: Mandatory Due Diligence
With housing availability tight across southern Indiana, the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office advises all buyers and renters to slow down and verify listings through independent means before providing any personal details or funds. Authorities suggest following these strict safety guidelines:
- Insist on an In-Person Meeting: Always attempt to walk through the property in person and meet the landlord or real estate agent face-to-face before executing an agreement.
- Pick Up the Phone: If an in-person meeting is impossible due to distance, always speak directly with the representative over the phone. Be highly suspicious of individuals who claim they can only communicate via text message or Facebook Messenger.
- Verify Property Ownership: Cross-reference the property address with official county records, such as the Dubois County GIS mapping system or property tax records, to confirm the true name of the property owner.
- Guard Your Data: Be extremely cautious about the personal information you fill out on unverified applications, as background check forms frequently request sensitive data like Social Security numbers and bank routing details, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.
Report Suspicious Activity
Law enforcement reminds community members that public awareness is one of the strongest tools against digital fraud. If you encounter a suspicious real estate listing on Facebook Marketplace or another online platform, flag and report the post directly to the host website.
If you or someone you know has already fallen victim to a rental scam and lost money, document all messages, phone numbers, and payment receipts, and file a formal report with the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office at 812-482-3522.
