Hopewell Police warns residents of real estate listing scams

March 4, 2026 - 02:48

The Hopewell Police Department is urging residents to exercise extreme caution due to a surge in sophisticated real estate listing scams targeting the local community. Authorities report that fraudulent actors are copying legitimate property listings from reputable websites and reposting them on other platforms with drastically reduced prices to attract victims.

In these schemes, scammers pose as owners or agents, often claiming to be out of the country or unable to show the property in person. They pressure potential renters or buyers to wire security deposits or first month's rent for properties they have no authority to lease or sell. Once the payment is sent, the fraudulent listing is removed, and the victim loses their money with little recourse.

Police emphasize that these scams exploit the competitive housing market, where individuals may feel rushed to secure a deal. Officials advise the public to never wire money based solely on an online advertisement. Key recommendations include always verifying the listing agent or owner through independent sources, insisting on an in-person tour before any payment, and being highly suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true. Anyone who believes they have encountered a fraudulent listing is encouraged to contact the Hopewell Police Department immediately.