Westfield police warn about apartment rental scam on social media

Police in Westfield are warning apartment hunters of another scam to watch out for when it comes to looking for apartments on social media.

Authorities say a Somerset man was looking for an apartment for rent on social media when he messaged a profile advertising an apartment in the 500 block of Carleton Road in Westfield.

RELATED: Top 8 consumer fraud complaints: How to avoid getting scammed

Before seeing the apartment, police say the victim sent a $1,300 security deposit using Cash App to the suspect he believed was a landlord. Once the initial payment was made, police say the suspected scammer requested an additional $1,000 rent payment from the victim.

When the man asked to see the apartment prior to making the additional payment, authorities say he was denied. The victim then called the police after realizing he was scammed.