Humboldt homeowner warns of rental scam

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — A homeowner is warning West Tennesseans looking for a new home to verify information before sending a deposit.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it’s too good to be true,” said homeowner Richard Neal.

Neal is in the process of renting his home in Humboldt.

He says he was contacted by a potential tenant who was responding to an advertisement of the home, only it wasn’t his advertisement.

“She said, ‘The people said I need to send the deposit to them,’ and I think it was like PayPal or something like that, and I informed her that we don’t do that,” Neal explained.

Neal says someone was using pictures of his home and posting them online to take advantage of those looking for a new home.

“I told the lady, you’re being scammed,” said Neal. “Somebody’s trying to get your money, and once they got your money, you will never find them again, and you will not have rented my house.”

Neal has a few tips for those looking for a home. He says to make sure to pick up an actual rental application and to make sure you meet the homeowner in person.

“Verify, call the city hall from where they are or call the chamber of commerce. Those are good sources to find out if this person’s legit or not,” said Neal.

Neal says he does not want anyone left empty-handed, simply for trying to make a home for themselves.

Neal also says authorities were alerted about the scammer.