Florida Panhandle authorities warn Hurricane Michael survivors that scam artists are targeting victims looking for rental homes.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Bay County Sherrif’s Office, it was warned that several schemes are circulating in communities that are still trying to recover from the October storm.
Since so many people are still looking for rental homes due to the hurricane, many units are falsely listed as available for rent. When potential renters try to move into the house, they find them occupied or that they were never available for rent in the first place.
The Sherriff’s Office states that many victims have already lost thousands of dollars because they paid for rent before arriving.
Other cases have involved victims being told that they need to send gift cards to resolve identity theft or to avoid arrest for missing tax deadlines or jury summons.
