Scam Alert – Rental Fraud in Mariposa County 

October 26, 2025 – Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have received reports of an online rental scam circulating through local community Facebook pages and Facebook Marketplace.

Scammers are posting homes for rent in Mariposa County and asking interested individuals to pay an application fee or security deposit upfront. These interactions are entirely electronic, with no in-person meetings or phone conversations. Once payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving victims without a place to rent or a way to recover their money.

Please remember:

Home rentals in Mariposa County are limited. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be cautious of anyone who refuses to meet in person or speak over the phone.

Never send money or share financial information until you have personally verified the property and the landlord.

If you believe you have been the victim of this scam, please contact the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (209) 966-3615.

Source & photo: Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office