Seniors should be skeptical of eye-catching photos of luxurious vacation properties posted online by scammers looking to collect a “security deposit” and disappear, the District Attorney’s Office warned Friday.
— Don’t rely on photos. Use a web service to make sure the property you hope to rent is at the address advertised;
— Always make purchases with a check or credit card; never use cash or non-returnable cash transfers;
— Look for reviews and feedback from previous renters online and ask questions of other renters if possible; and
— Be suspicious if the would-be landlord only wants to communicate through text messages.
For more information on scams that target seniors, go to the Elder Abuse- Financial Fraud pages of the District Attorney’s website at http://da.lacounty.gov.
Anyone victimized by a scam may contact the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or online at http://dcba.lacounty.gov.