The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new rental property scam spreading online.

Officials say scammers are stealing photos and details from real listings to post fake ads on social media and rental apps.

Victims have been tricked into signing bogus leases and sending payments often to accounts overseas, Some renters even discovered they’d moved into homes they didn’t actually rent.

Authorities urge everyone to meet landlords in person, verify ownership, and never send money or enter a property without confirmation.