A woman reported losing about $1,800 after sending a deposit and first month’s rent through Apple Pay

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces police are warning prospective renters to use caution when responding to online housing listings after a woman reported losing about $1,800 in a scam.

The woman told police she found a rental listing on a popular real estate website and began communicating with someone she believed was the landlord. She signed a rental application and transferred a deposit and first month’s rent through Apple Pay.

She became suspicious when a separate person requested an additional key deposit and administrative fee.

Police said similar scams have been reported in previous years, sometimes involving fraudulent listings posted on legitimate real estate or social media websites.

Scammers may copy photographs and property descriptions from legitimate listings, then communicate only by phone, text message or another electronic method. Victims often discover the fraud only after sending money electronically, which police said can be difficult or impossible to trace.

Police recommend that prospective renters meet landlords or real estate agents in person, inspect properties before signing agreements and review contracts carefully before transferring money.

Renters should also be cautious when a purported property owner says they are traveling, live outside New Mexico or cannot meet in person. Police said those claims may indicate a fraudulent listing.

Prospective renters may also consider working with a licensed real estate agent who maintains a local office.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized by a rental scam should contact police immediately. Reports in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County can be filed by calling 575-526-0795.