Stow Resident Falls Victim to Real Estate Scam, Loses Over $1,000

July 21, 2025 - 22:18

In a troubling incident, a woman from Stow has reported losing a significant amount of money in a real estate scam. The victim made several payments totaling $1,102 through a mobile banking app called Chime, believing she was securing a rental property.

The scam unfolded when she responded to an online advertisement for a rental that seemed legitimate. After communicating with the supposed landlord, she was instructed to make payments to secure the property. Unfortunately, it became clear that she had been deceived when the promised rental agreement never materialized, and her attempts to contact the landlord went unanswered.

Local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution when engaging in online transactions, particularly in real estate. They recommend verifying the legitimacy of listings and conducting thorough background checks on landlords. This incident serves as a reminder of the growing prevalence of scams targeting unsuspecting individuals in the digital age.