AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police say 24-year-old Juan Vazquez Jr. targeted renters by advertising rental properties online that he does not own and pocketing the cash that victims paid for deposits and rent.
The Austin Police Department said these cases span from September 2022 to June 2024. It is a situation that Realtor Heather Powell has seen with her clients in the past.
"They went to Craigslist or a Facebook ad that wasn't real, gave their money, showed up from Louisiana, and the people that were living there had no idea why they were trying to move in and these people had no place to go," Powell said. "People depend on their houses being their nest, being their safe space, all of those things. And for someone to take advantage is terrible."
To avoid this kind of situation, Powell said it is best to apply what she calls "the golden rule."
"If it's too easy or sounds too good, it probably is, and [you should] meet the landlord or tenant in person," Powell said.
Sam Bassett is an attorney with real estate experience and advises prospective renters to not feel rushed and to do their homework.
"Ask somebody for references and ask for any licenses that they have, ask for their history of renting in the past so you can check out third parties to make sure you can verify them. Ask for an agreement in writing," Bassett said.
Powell says you can also fact-check who the owner of the property is through the Travis Central Appraisal District.
"At any consumer's fingertips, you can be able to pull up the owner of the property address at a bare minimum, you know, do a Google search, know who you're talking to," Powell said.
It is taking steps to protect the home you want to create and build a real sense of security.
"It's a big burden on families, it's a big burden on jobs," Powell said.