City of Reno issued the following announcement.
The Reno Police Department has seen an increase in rental property scams. In most situations the victim finds an ad online for a rental property, advertising rent that is lower than average. The suspect asks the victim to send money over apps like Venmo or Zelle as a security deposit on the property, without ever meeting the person. Once the person sends the money, they never hear from the suspect again.
We would like to remind those looking for a rental property to verify the company or person they are dealing with is the owner/company renting the property, and not to send money to people they have not met in person.
If you have been a victim or have information about rental scams, your can make a report with the Reno Police Department at www.renopd.com or call non emergency dispatch at (775) 334-COPS(2677), or Secret Witness at 322-4900, www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP411) keyword – SW.
Original source can be found here.