DESTIN, Fla. (WKRG) — The rental season is ramping up and with that so is the opportunity for rental scams. I almost fell for it firsthand this week.
A unit off Scenic HWY 98 and Crystal Beach was listed online as a long-term rental with a great deal. Turns out a scam artist had listed the property.
I spoke with the property manager Wednesday who says this is a short-term rental only.
Located a stone’s throw from the beach, a long-term rental under $1,000/month seemed too good to be true. Kathy Shampine who runs the location says this is not the first time it’s happened.
Most of them are very good at talking a good game otherwise they wouldn’t get away with as much as they do.”
KATHY SHAMPINE, Kastle Keepers Property Management
After emails and texts back and forth with the person who made the post. I saw photos and was requested to drive by the home to make sure I liked the location, and that’s when I saw a sign for the rental property on the balcony and called.
Shampine picked up the phone. “I did try to check out this Gregory listing and I could not find him. I checked out his phone number and it is not affiliated with anybody,” said Shampine.
I confronted the man through text identifying myself as a news reporter but he continued, saying it was legit and he would meet me from Orlando If I transferred $100 through Zelle or CashApp. He also asked for my bank routing information as a payment option.
I showed those…
