Better Business Bureau warns about new Security Deposit rip-off

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people looking to rent or lease homes about a new security deposit ripoff.

Scammers get a list of properties, then try to get potential renters to pay them the security deposit.

Stephanie Garland, Regional Director of the BBB, says local people have been taken in:

“Some people are losing $750, $1000 or even more money, ” Garland says. “We’ve had this reported in Webb City, Carl Junction, Carthage, Joplin and the surrounding communities in the past. Just realize that this is happening in this area so you know what to look for.”

Garland says if you’ve encountered this scam, contact the Bureau at BBB.org/scamtrackers.

They’ll report it to Law Enforcement – specifically the Federal Trade Commission – within 24 hours.