Salina Resident Loses $1,080 in Facebook Rental Scam

The Salina Police Department is warning residents to use caution when searching for rental properties online after a local resident reported losing $1,080 in a suspected rental scam.
On October 16, 2026, police received a report from a victim who responded to a “Houses for rent” post on Facebook. The victim began communicating with an unknown person through the platform about renting a house in Salina, with the rental arrangement reportedly beginning October 14.
The victim initially sent $80 for an application fee, followed by payments of $300 and $700 for rent, totaling $1,080. The victim had never visited the residence and was not given a phone number or address for the property owner.
The victim identified the company that owned the property and contacted it. The company advised that the property had not been advertised for rent.
The Salina Police Department reminds residents to be cautious when responding to online rental advertisements and advises against sending money electronically before verifying the legitimacy of a listing. Police also recommend physically inspecting a property before agreeing to rent it, researching the company or individual offering the rental, and avoiding sharing personal information until the other party’s identity has been verified.