Loudoun County, VA- The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to be wary of two scams; an online rental scam and a sweepstakes scam.
The online rental scam advertises a property for rent, typically at a low price. The ‘owner’ will ask the victim to send their information via email and will give often quickly reply that they have been approved. They will then ask the victim to ‘wire’ the money for deposit. When the victim goes to move in they find out the house was not for rent.
Potential renters seeking rental space online should be wary of owners who are unable to show the property before you send a deposit, owners who request that you send your deposit via money transfer and owners with overseas phone numbers.
The “Sweepstakes” scam can occur via U.S. Mail, telephone or e-mail. The victim is contacted advising they have won the New York Lottery, International Lottery or some other type of Lottery. In order for them to receive their winnings, they have to wire money to pay for the taxes associated with their winnings.
If you have been a victim of either of these scams, you are asked to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.
###