Facebook Marketplace rental scams can cost thousands, property manager warns – KPLC

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – A ghoulish scam tactic using so-called ”ghost listings” continues to spread over Facebook Marketplace. One local real estate manager says it’s easy to get tricked, but there are ways to weed out bad listings. Samantha Jagneaux with Jagneaux Property Management said scammers have stolen her legitimate property listings and reposted them to trick renters into sending money. “They sent their first month’s rent and deposit, and they were out of that money. It was quite a bit of money. It was like a couple thousand they were out,” Jagneaux said. Ashlyn Gaudet, who works with Jagneaux, said Facebook Marketplace remains the most effective platform for legitimate property managers despite the scam problem. “As property managers, it is the best place to list things because that’s where we get the most views, the most interest. It’s hard for us to advertise it in any other way, but it is sad that this has come to this,” Gaudet said. Jagneaux said there is little property managers can do once someone has been scammed. “We advise them to contact the police department, but a lot of times it’s from people overseas, so they might not ever see that
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