Internet Scam / Fraud Alert

From: Off Campus Life

Off Campus Life has received information from JMU students and parents regarding a scam in connection with renting or subleasing property. In the scam an individual mails a check after an agreement is reached to sublease an apartment. In response to the check being “accidentally” written for a higher amount than necessary, the scammer asks the lessor to cash the original check and write an additional check for the excess amount. However, the overage check clears the bank while the original check does not, leaving the lessor out the difference. This month alone there have been seven reports of this scam, with one JMU student losing in excess of two thousand dollars. Please be cautious of potential renters and subleasers who express a desire to rent your property sight unseen. NEVER issue refunds for overpayment. NEVER cash or deposit a check sent to you in excess of the amount you specified. If you have been the victim of a scam please notify Off Campus Life at 568-6828 and report all fraudulent behaviors to Campus Police at 568-6913 or Harrisonburg Police at 434-4436. For more information, please visit the Off Campus Life website: www.jmu.edu/ocl.