Hi friends,
I’m Devin Todd Ramsey — a proud REALTOR® here in Madison County — and I want to talk about something that’s unfortunately become a growing threat in our industry and our community: online real estate scams.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with LEX 18 News to help bring attention to this issue, because it hit close to home — scammers used photos from one of my sold listings to post fake rental ads on Facebook, tricking people into sending money for a home that was never even available.
This is personal. These scams aren’t just hurting our industry — they’re hurting real people, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to raise awareness and help protect our community.
What’s Happening — And Why It Matters
Here’s how these scams typically work:
Scammers grab professional listing photos — like the ones I use to market homes for my clients — and repost them on Facebook Marketplace or classified sites. They advertise the home as a rental at a price that seems too good to be true (because it is).
Then, they ask for deposits, application fees, or rent upfront — before you’ve even seen the property in person. Once the money is sent, they vanish. And the worst part? The victim never even had a chance to realize it was a scam until it’s too late.
I’ve personally had multiple people reach out to me, thinking they were renting one of my properties, only to discover they’d been misled. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s why I’m speaking out.
How to Spot a Rental Scam
If you’re looking for a rental online, please be careful. Here are some common red flags that can help you identify a fake listing:
🚩 The rent seems unusually low for the area.
🚩 The “landlord” is out of town or unavailable to meet in person.
🚩 They ask for payment through Zelle, Cash App, or wire transfer — before you’ve even toured the home.
🚩 There’s no formal lease, application process, or professional documentation.
🚩 The listing can’t be verified through a reputable real estate site or agent.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
As much as scammers are getting more creative, there are still ways you can protect yourself and those around you:
✅ Verify the listing through trusted sources. Stick to reputable websites or ask a licensed real estate professional (like me!) to confirm if a property is truly for rent or sale.
✅ Reverse image search the photos. If you see the same pictures in multiple listings or a previous sale listing, be cautious.
✅ Never send money before seeing the property in person and receiving legitimate documentation.
✅ Ask for the name and license number of the agent or landlord. In Kentucky, all real estate professionals must be licensed — and we’re happy to provide that info.
✅ Report any suspicious posts immediately to the platform and local authorities.
Let’s Keep Our Community Safe
I care deeply about Madison County, and I want everyone — whether you’re buying, selling, or renting — to feel informed, protected, and supported. These scams may be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and a little extra vigilance, we can stop them in their tracks.
If you ever come across a listing that doesn’t feel right, or you just want a second opinion, reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to help verify a property or guide you in the right direction.
Together, let’s continue to protect our neighborhoods and look out for one another.
With gratitude,
With care,
Devin Todd Ramsey
REALTOR®