If It Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

When people cross over the Judge Jolley Bridge and view the spectacular array of beautiful homes and condos that dot Marco Island’s beaches and skyline, the word that comes to mind is paradise. This is how many describe Marco Island when they view it for the very first time, upon their arrival for a visit or vacation.

When you take that into consideration, you can understand how individuals may become easy targets for scams. Many of these scams promise visitors a once-in-a-lifetime bargain to escape for a couple of weeks or more to enjoy a get-away to the paradise that we call home.

Marco Island Police Department (MIPD) is no different than any other law enforcement agency when it comes to dealing with these fraudulent offerings. Innocent families are devastated when they realize that their much-anticipated vacation left them victims to a rental rip-off. In most cases, the MIPD does not have many options to assist a family that has been victimized by one of these cons. In most cases, these housing and rental scams are facilitated over the internet, and many even originate from overseas.

MIPD officers are busy dealing with these, and other nefarious schemes, which bilk trusting individuals out of their hard-earned money. Recently, they have been involved with at least six such scams. Five of those incidents were internet-related and based out of the country.

MIPD Detective Sergeant Mark Huffor reported that the department has been working with individuals who became the victims of these types of scams. Officers have been collecting data on the events to create official reports, so that victims can present the reports to their financial institutions in hopes of receiving help.

“We are in a time today when individuals must do their due diligence when it comes to dealing in matters such as this,” said Sergeant Huffor. The Marco Police Department has been proactive in scanning some of the rental listings online to identify suspicious listings, but in the end, it is the responsibility of the buyer to do their due diligence to avoid being taken advantage of.

“Some things your family can do to avoid scams like these is to look for telltale signs which may be suspicious. Be on the lookout for inaccurate information regarding the property or of the island itself. Check the county property appraiser’s website to insure you are in fact dealing with the owner by reaching out directly to them. Be suspicious of dealing with contacts that deal primarily through internet-based phones and messaging services, as they are difficult to track,” said Sergeant Huffor.

Law enforcement agencies throughout Southwest Florida have been investigating a large number of incidents such as these. The scams extend from fraudulent home and condo rentals, to home sales with counterfeit deposit checks. 

Do your research, check with management companies, rental agencies and researching ownership to ensure you are dealing with reputable organizations or individuals. 

In the end, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.