Tennessee Homes, located at 903 North Jackson Street in Tullahoma, is alerting the public about an ongoing rental scam where fraudulent individuals are falsely claiming to represent their company and deceiving potential renters.

These scammers are advertising rental properties using photographs of Tennessee Homes’ properties (or other similar properties) and collecting deposits or rent payments from unsuspecting victims. The fraudsters many times provide fake keys to the supposed rental units, and when victims attempt to move in, they discover the keys don’t work and the supposed “landlord” becomes unreachable.

“We are deeply concerned about this fraudulent activity using our company’s reputation and properties,” said Ernie Hobbs, General Manager at Tennessee Homes. “We want to make it absolutely clear that these individuals do not represent Tennessee Homes in any capacity. Our company adheres to a formal application process for all rentals and would never engage in such deceptive practices.”

Tennessee Homes is a legitimate business registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) and encourages potential renters to verify the credentials of any rental company or individual before making payments.

How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams:

1. Verify ownership: Use county property records to confirm who actually owns the property.

2. Research the company: Check with the Better Business Bureau or local real estate boards to verify legitimacy.

3. Meet in person: Always meet the landlord or property manager at their office before making any payments.

4. Be wary of unusual payment methods: Be suspicious if asked to wire money or pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency.

5. Watch for below-market pricing: If the rent seems too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Insist on a proper lease: NEVER rent without a detailed written agreement.

7. Inspect the property: Ensure you can see inside the actual unit before paying anything.

8. Beware of high-pressure tactics: Legitimate landlords don’t rush you or create artificial urgency.

9. Never pay cash: Always use traceable payment methods such as personal check or money orders, and get receipts with the contact information of the landlord on the receipt.

10. Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, step back and reassess.                   

Victims of this scam are encouraged to report incidents to the local Police or Sheriff Department and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov.

Tennessee Homes is a reputable real estate services company serving the greater Tullahoma area, committed to providing quality housing solutions through transparent and professional practices.