Don’t Get Scammed

2016: Westfield Police are cautioning landlords to be vigilant when renting units to new tenants after some were targeted in a check scheme recently.

The scammers are hitting landlords on the off-campus housing list. They contact them by phone or email, then send a check for the deposit. The problem, however, is the check is made out for more than is owed. The thieves then ask the landlord to send the difference. The landlord realizes they’ve been had when the check bounces and they are now out the entire amount of the check.

According to the Westfield Police, two landlords were approached so far, but neither fell victim to the scheme.

The moral of this story is: Be wise. These are your properties; make sure to fully vet the potential tenants so you’re not schemed!