The police are urging the public to exercise caution when searching for rental properties online following a suspected rental scam in which someone was asked for an “upfront payment before being permitted to view the property.” A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service is advising members of the public to exercise caution when searching for Bermuda rental accommodations online, following a report of a suspected rental scam. “It was reported that an individual responded to an online advertisement for a Bermuda rental property and was instructed to provide government-issued identification, proof of income, and an upfront payment before being permitted to view the property. “Members of the public are reminded to:“Be cautious of rental listings that require payment before you have viewed the property. “Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a rental scam or has made a payment to a suspected fraudster, is encouraged to report the matter to the Bermuda Police Service at the earliest opportunity.