Scam Alert for Renters
Rental fraud has been reported across the country.
Possible signs of a housing scam:
- The deal is too good to be true.
- The rent is very low, and the landlord offers to pay all utilities.
- The actual address is not disclosed.
- They ask you for money or a credit card number before you view the property.
- They ask you to wire money.
- The landlord is out of town or out of the country.
Protect yourself!
- Watch for warning signs and avoid situations where you feel pressured or uncomfortable.
- Any money you pay before viewing the property AND verifying that you are dealing with the actual owner or manager of a property may be money lost. Scammers have been known to show others' properties to victims.
- DO NOT pay a security deposit or any other deposit until you have signed a lease.
- DO NOT share your credit card information before signing a lease, if ever.
- DO NOT wire money to cover deposits and fees prior to viewing and deciding upon a property.
- Get your prospective landlord's name, home address and telephone number to verify them through the following resources:
- City or County property records, local Clerk of Court or Register of Deeds - information can often be found online
- A building's manager, if there is one
- Department of Consumer Affairs and BBB to see if any complaints have been filed against the landlord
- Ask for references from the landlord, preferably from former tenants
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency.
Find out more in a news release from the Federal Trade Commission.
To report a listing on this service that you think is a scam, click here
.
Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it is.