Watertown police are issuing a warning about a scam targeting people who are looking to rent homes.
Police said a scam artist will take out an ad showing a real home that is listed for sale on a popular realtor website and represent himself as the owner.
The scammer then explains that the home is still on the market, but to contact him directly because he is firing the real estate agent and renting the house out on his own.
Rather than meet the prospective renter in person, the scammer says he is out of the state for some reason, like a new job, and tells the person to drive by the house and see if they like it.
Then, he creates a sense of urgency by saying several people are interested in renting the house and asks for a deposit to be wired to him.
Once he obtains the money, he cuts off contact.
Watertown Police urge residents to be cautious when wiring money to anyone they are unfamiliar with.
