Finding an apartment to rent can be a long and arduous process leaving renters drained both mentally and financially. And as if renters didn’t have enough to think about when searching for a new apartment, they must now also keep an eye out for scammers looking to trick them out of their hard-earned rent money. Identifying and avoiding scams is getting easier, though, especially if renters keep an eye out for these three common warning signs of a rental scam.
- Not available to meet. If a potential “future landlord” claims to be in a distant location making a face-to-face meeting or even a phone call difficult or even impossible, beware - it is probably a scammer. Many scammers may also promise to send the keys in the mail or try to distract you from the actual transaction by playing on your emotions for pity or talking about nonrelated issues. Don’t be fooled by these guises; keep your focus on why you are in contact with them, stick to business and if something smells fishy, get out.
- Requesting money pre-lease. The “landlord” may request that you send money before signing a lease or even before you see the apartment so they can “hold” it for you. This is a sure sign of a scam. Don’t send anyone any money until you have seen what you are paying for and have signed an official lease.
- Unusual forms of payment. Any unusual payment form requested by the “landlord,” such as a wire transfer, should serve as a red flag. These types of payments are untraceable and are unable to be retrieved. This means that the scammer can walk away with your money from essentially anywhere in the world.
If you experience any or all of these warning signs, you may be walking into a scam. In the event that you do fall victim to a rental scam, save all communications between you and the scammer and file a report with the local police department. For more information on rental scams and scam prevention, refer to rentalscams.org or consumerfraudreporting.org.
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I’d have to settle with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I really like reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to speak my mind!
I also would suggest that renters do some basic security checks before they sign the lease and make a payment. Foreclosure scams is the new thing it seems so it would make sense that they check out the property foreclosure status, and that can be done here, http://foreclosurecourt.org/foreclosureprotection…
Kevin,
Thanks for your addition. This is great advice to a growing problem for renters and homeowners alike.
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Thats pretty Interesting! I look forward to reading more of your posts.