Northwest Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – A rental scam alert is being issued this Saturday after a northwest Minnesota resident reported being scammed out of $150 by someone posing as a landlord under a fake profile named “Ann Ickes.”
The man, who was searching for a rental property, came across a convincing online ad linked to the “Karen Ickes” profile. The scammer allegedly instructed him to fill out a rental application and promised to help him find a property. However, the property wasn’t actually owned by the scammer.
After he sent $150, communication with the “landlord” suddenly ceased, and the individual could no longer be found online, confirming he had fallen victim to a rental scam.
Authorities are reminding residents to:
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Verify ownership of a property before sending money
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Be cautious of listings with vague details or generic photos
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Avoid rental agreements that require payment upfront via apps or untraceable methods
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Report suspicious listings to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies
If you’ve encountered a similar situation or believe you’ve been scammed, you’re urged to contact your local authorities immediately.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552215247427
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.