Palos Park, IL – The Palos Park Police Department has issued a warning about a growing scam on Facebook Marketplace, where scammers pose as landlords and collect payments for rental properties they do not own. This alarming trend has led to significant financial losses for residents.

According to the Palos Park Police Department, scammers frequently copy legitimate property listings, presenting attractive but fake rental offers. They often request payments before any property viewing, claiming reasons like being out of town. Other red flags include unrealistically low rents, overpayments for screening or security deposits, and communication limited to email without a valid phone number.

The police advise thorough research on properties and landlords. Consulting reputable real estate agents can also help ensure the legitimacy of rental offers.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious listings to the police. By recognizing these red flags, Palos Park residents can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams and ensure safer transactions on online marketplaces.