The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity they may see around their neighborhoods.
Recent reports of phony real estate agents near Ash Canyon and other real estate scams have become common recently. Often, scammers will claim they are a real estate agent or landlord and attempt to “sell” a residence and will take a deposit check from the buyers, though they will not have the authority to sell or rent a property.
“When people are dealing with properties they need to be careful and make sure they are dealing with a reputable business,” said Sheriff Ken Furlong. “It is not unheard of for prospective buyers to make deposits to scam artists for sales that the landlords didn’t know anything about. Similarly, when dealing with real estate companies, know your realtor. All of our real estate companies are legitimate, but make sure the person you are dealing with is in fact a Realtor.”
One example of this, was an attempted break in at a real estate listing on May 11, where the suspects allegedly walked around a property as if they were an agent showing a client the property. Furlong said they will often see this; with people targeting vacant vacant homes.
“Neighborhoods should be aware of this and report any suspicious activity,” Furlong said. “We encourage people to report that sort of thing and we often receive tips from neighbors about that type of thing.”
Furlong said the same goes for anyone who may be disguised as a solicitor or utilities worker. Though there are reputable ones who have a reason for being around a certain area, those are often good disguises for burglars to gain access or stake out a residence. Professionals should have a way to produce credentials when questioned, and Furlong said if they can’t produce that identification residents should close the door and call the Sheriff’s Office.
Never let solicitors or other workers into your home if there’s not a need for them to be there.
“Make sure they are who they say they are,” Furlong said. “These types of burglaries aren’t uncommon and they are designed to get into your home.”
To report any suspicious activity, call 911 or contact the Carson City Dispatch Center for non-emergency calls at 775-887-2677.