ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The Kissimmee and St. Cloud police departments say they’ve seen an uptick in rental scams. 

One of those scams took advantage of two St. Cloud brothers with special needs.

What You Need To Know

  • Rental scams are on the rise in Osceola County, police say

  • Two brothers with special needs lost $1,450 n one scam

  • They thought they had found a new place to live in an online ad

  • It required  the deposit and first month's rent to be paid with gift cards

David and Alan Sanders bike to work at 10th Street Produce every day. They recently found out the property they live in, 7 miles from downtown, is being sold, and they have to quickly find a new home. 

The Sanders came across a post online for a house that seemed to be affordable. But the security deposit and first month’s rent had to be paid using Amazon gift cards.

“This is a big lesson for them,” said Adam Wagner, the owner of 10th Street Produce. “In the meantime, we’re just going to keep working and try to get their money back, get them into a place regardless. I don’t think the money is coming back, but that's irrelevant. We will make it right.”

While the incident was reported to the St. Cloud Police Department, the Sanders are still short $1,450. 

The Sanders have to be out of their current home by Oct. 1.

To help in any way, contact Liz or Adam Wagner at 10th Street Produce, 920 New York Ave., St Cloud, Fla., 34769 or by phone at (407) 593-9850.