![Scam is foiled on social website Scam is foiled on social website](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/u2TKvX7hYXGMrKgrD4ZiFN/ae410f13-823e-43a7-8812-d7fc18c29772.jpg/r0_148_3500_2124_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
PEOPLE are being urged to be wary of online scams after a Myrtleford house was used in an attempt to rip off a renter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The man had sought accommodation from a Facebook site and was contacted by someone offering the home and showed photos.
But the scam attempt was discovered when someone who knew the owner spotted the images and let them know.
Myrtleford Sergeant Paul Evans said people should be wary of anyone who asked for rent and bond upfront.
“I have no doubt they will try to scam others,” he said.
“They play on the human instinct of people looking for a bargain.
“When people go to rent a premises off the books they leave themselves vulnerable to scams.”
Sergeant Evans said the scammer would have likely been based overseas.
They had taken the images from a genuine site and probably would have used an untraceable money transfer system to make the deal.
“People have to be aware that there are scam artists out there,” he said.
“They will often come from Queensland and NSW and offer services like driveway repairs or cheap roofing.”