The Carthage Police Department is warning residents about a new scam circulating involving fraudulent rental listings.
According to police, the owner of 206 D Carlton St. recently discovered a scam advertisement falsely listing the residence for rent. The online post claimed the home was available for $750 per month and required a $75 “viewing fee.”
Investigators said the listing appeared under the name Northrop Realty and referenced a supposed realtor identified as “Mary.” Police said that the property is not for rent through Northrop Realty or anyone affiliated with the company. The fraudulent listing has since been removed.
Authorities said scammers often attempt to make fake listings appear legitimate by using the names of well-known real estate companies. Other red flags can include requests for unusual viewing fees or deposits before a tour, rental prices significantly below market value, communication limited to email or messaging apps, and pressure to make quick payments to secure a property.
Police urge residents not to send money in response to suspicious rental listings and to report questionable posts directly to the hosting platform.
Always take steps to ensure that any form of online listing is legitimate before putting yourself in danger, physical or otherwise.
To protect themselves, residents are encouraged to verify listings on an official real estate company’s website, avoid paying fees before physically viewing a property, search the address online to check for duplicate scam postings, request proper identification from realtors, and contact property owners or management companies directly when in doubt.
Anyone who encounters a suspicious rental listing in the area is encouraged to contact local authorities.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news and weekly e-newsletter, please click here.
