BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to residents in reference to two possible scams.
The first scam involves houses listed for sale.
Investigators say the scammers target a house listed on the Burke County Multiple Listing Service and use photographs and locations of homes to list the house(s) for rent.
The scammers are accused of then using social media to advertise the fake rental home and include a contact email and phone number. A narrative included states that the home is for rent because the occupants are out of the country on an extended mission trip.
Deputies say the fake advertisement also asks for individuals to send a security deposit and first month’s rent and upon receipt the victim will receive a confirmation email and be directed to report to the real estate office to pick up the keys to the home.
Investigators are working with the Burke County Board of REALTORS® and would like to remind citizens who are in the market for a rental home to:
1. Always contact a real estate office to confirm that a potential rental home is for rent and not for sale.
2. Never send currency, gift cards, money grams, etc. to unknown sources.
The second scam involves jury duty.
Investigators say citizens have filed several reports claiming they received phone calls from a person claiming to be Sgt. Jackson with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. The caller then instructs the citizen to go to CVS Pharmacy or Rite Aid to obtain green dot cards to submit money for missing jury duty.
Deputies ask that you report any suspicious activity to your local police department.
