The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is warning senior citizens about vacation rental scams in which people advertise properties that they do not own on classified ad websites and include eye-catching photographs.

Once the would-be renter inquires, a fake landlord collects an upfront “security deposit” and flees with the money. The victims are often left unaware that they have been cheated until weeks later, when they arrive at their destination.

Some vacation rental scam perpetrators also defraud seniors by obtaining personal information that is used to steal their identities and access their accounts.

The district attorney’s office warns people to not be fooled by photographs, and to use a web service that allows real-time viewing to ensure the property is located at the address advertised. People are also cautioned to always make purchases with a check or credit card; never use cash or nonreturnable cash transfers. People should look for feedback from previous renters on websites. In some cases, questions can be posed online to previous renters. Additionally, people are warned to be suspicious if a would-be landlord only wants to communicate through text messages.

For more information on scams that target seniors, visit www.da.lacounty.gov/seniors/financial-fraud.

People who believe they have been the victim of a scam are advised to contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800)593-8222, or www.dcba.lacounty.gov.