Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Alerts Public to Social Media Rental Scams
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of property rental scams targeting individuals on social media.
Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, November 7, 2026 — The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public warning regarding an increase in property rental scams, with perpetrators specifically targeting individuals using social media platforms. These scams often exploit the demand for rental properties by advertising non-existent listings or properties that are not actually available for rent through legitimate channels.
While specific details about the scam’s operational methods or the number of reported incidents were not immediately available, the Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that residents should exercise caution when searching for rental properties online, particularly on social media. Scammers may create fake listings with appealing descriptions and prices, often using stolen photos and information. Victims are typically asked to pay deposits, application fees, or even first month’s rent before ever seeing the property or meeting a legitimate landlord or agent.
Residents looking for rental accommodations are advised to be vigilant. Authorities recommend verifying the legitimacy of landlords and rental agencies before sending any money. This can involve conducting thorough research, checking for official business registrations, and ensuring that any communication is with verified individuals or entities.
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who believes they may have been targeted by or fallen victim to a rental scam to report the incident. This information is crucial for law enforcement to track these activities and to alert the wider community to ongoing threats. Further guidance on avoiding such scams is expected to be released by the Sheriff’s Office as the situation develops.
Story summarized from the original created by WITN Web Team on www.witn.com, see more information here.
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