AMITE — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office warned residents about a scam involving fraudulent house rental publications on Monday.

According to detectives, scammers steal images of homes for sale before fraudulently listing them on social media as properties available for rent at rates lower than others of similar size in the same area. 

The scammers allegedly ask residents for a deposit to conduct background checks before cutting off communication. Detectives said the scammers use non-local phone numbers and accounts that resemble out-of-state real estate companies. 

Deputies with the sheriff's office advises residents to not send money before double checking the property's sale status through an online search, meeting the landlord or agent at the property for a viewing, verifying the person who posted the listing is the listing agent and contacting the Assessor's Office to confirm the owner of the property. 

Anyone who comes across a fraudulent listing should file a report with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office at 985-902-2088.