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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW State launches Medford campaign to deter pot use among youths ... Small fire fills second-floor Ramada Inn guest rooms with smoke ... Abdill fined, put on probation for state violations ... State launches Medford campaign to deter pot use among youths ... Small fire fills second-floor Ramada Inn guest rooms with smoke ... Abdill fined, put on probation for state violations ... CONSUMER PROTECTION Police warn renters to watch out for scams Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil Posted Jun. 21, 2016 at 4:30 AM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil Posted Jun. 21, 2016 at 4:30 AM » Social News With Jackson County's vacancy rate just above 2 percent, police officers are warning people looking for a place to live to not get taken for a ride by scammers. Last week, members of the Southern Oregon Rental Owners Association reported 132 vacancies out of 5,689 reporting units, or a 2.32 percent vacancy rate. Medford police say thieves frequently try to work this to their advantage, cobbling together fake ads they will post on Craigslist and other websites. "Right now they're able to find vulnerable people," said Lt. Kevin Walruff of Medford police. But low vacancy rate or not, the scheme is one that has been around for years. The current number of open cases was not immediately available, but investigators said they deal with more than a handful annually. The scam artists often snag photos from real houses, though they usually aren't for sale or rent. Typically, the thieves aren't local, and will ask prospective tenants either to wire them money for a deposit, or to go to a store and buy pre-paid gift cards, then read the numbers to them over the phone. "That's a huge red flag," said Ellen Klem, director of consumer outreach and education for the Oregon Attorney General's Office. Basic steps renters can use to protect themselves include making sure the owner is local and asking to see the house with them. Jackson County's Property Data Online service is a good resource to see details about the home or apartment complex, including current owner and sales history. Renters should also verify details about the property and the seller with a third party. "Research it yourself. Look in the phone book, call the Better Business Bureau, maybe stop by the office," Walruff said. "Don't necessarily trust the information in that ad as being real." Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected]. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil Posted Jun. 21, 2016 at 4:30 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501