Full Notification

The Turlock Police Department wants to remind everyone to be aware of recent fraudulent crimes that have been occurring involving rental properties. Scammers have been posting ads on social media and through third party rental websites posing local properties as available to rent; however, these properties are occupied and/or not available. The suspect has no ownership to these properties whatsoever.

During the month of January 2021, the Turlock Police Department received five reports of rental fraud where victims lost a significant amount of money. After a detective was assigned to the cases, it was discovered that the same suspect was responsible for all five incidents. The detective learned the suspect is not in the United States but in a different county conducting fraudulent crimes online.

The Turlock Police Department wants to remind everyone to be cautious when sending money over the internet, through third party apps or websites. When looking for places to rent, be sure to use reputable companies or websites and/or thoroughly research the person and the rental property.

As a final reminder, a red flag when it comes to online scams is when payment is requested in any form of a gift cards.

If you have been the victim of fraud, please remember to flag a fraudulent post on the website it is on and to make a police report either online here: https://ci.turlock.ca.us/policedepartment/crime/reportacrime/ or by calling Dispatch at (209) 668-1200 for non-emergencies and 9-1-1 for emergencies.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program.

Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only.

For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Crime and Community Analyst Deandra Wiley.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 668-6506
Email – [email protected]