Finding long-term rentals in a highly inflationary market is a real challenge, and scammers know that and are taking advantage of this vulnerability.
Whether you’re looking for an apartment or a house, scammers have many deceptive ways to trick you. The good news is that these are the best ways to identify and fend off these scammers.
Follow this list to make sure your future rental property is legal.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid falling victim to rental scams. (Cyber Guy.com)
1. Make sure your monthly rent isn’t too high
If you’re looking for rental properties in a particular area and notice that there are properties that are significantly cheaper than others in that area, it could be a scam. Scammers advertise that they are giving potential renters a rare opportunity that will soon disappear, attracting first-time renters, out-of-state renters, or renters looking for a location in a hurry I am hoping for
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Double check other rentals with similar amenities in the area you’re looking to make sure it’s not a scam. You can also use a rental calculator like rent estimate Check expected prices for specific rentals based on what’s on offer.
before committing to anything Ask your property management company or landlord why the prices are so low. And keep a copy of all communications with them.
2. Make sure your listing is legit
One of the big clues that a rental listing is a scam is if you come across the same listing on another rental site and the name of the person who posted the listing is different than the one you first saw. Scammers can easily obtain information on legitimate listings and change contact information to make it look like they listed themselves.
Always check to see if the rental you are interested in is showing up on various sites online, if the contact information is different for each, it’s probably a scam. Also, be sure to use reputable rental listing websites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com. These websites usually have verification processes to ensure that the property and landlord are legitimate.
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3. Notice how the listing asks for payment
If the landlord or property manager requests payment of rentWhether it’s cash, wire transfers, or money orders, this is a big fraud red flag.Sending money using these methods makes it difficult to track payments if the property turns out to be a scam.
Many legitimate rental listings require payment by electronic deposit from a bank account, credit card or check. Some other large properties may even have websites with portals where you can pay online. These are all trackable options and leave little room for fraud.
4. Never give out personal information
Do not give out personal information before viewing the property.It is common for potential renters to allow a property to be viewed without providing personal information such as social security number, date of birth, credit card number, etc., and any kind of No payment should be required.
If you can’t see the property in person, request an online tour, or ask an agent or friend to do it for you.
5. Make sure it’s not a phantom property
Some scammers even offer virtual tours to potential renters where the property is not rented out at all. This is because they will be willing to hand over the security deposit.
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Always schedule either a face-to-face or virtual meeting with your landlord or property manager early in the process. You can also always ask someone you trust to go look at the rental property and make sure it’s legal. You can also use online tools such as Google Street View, Zillow and Trulia to verify that the property is authentic and matches the photos and description provided.
If you’re still not sure, contact your local assessor’s office or county clerk, who will provide property records for the location. Check all names, websites, phone numbers on the list and read all reviews about the property her manager or landlord if they have a website or social media.
Above all, trust your instincts. If something sounds too good, it probably is. Follow your instincts and avoid properties that seem questionable or landlords who seem overly pushy.
Did these tips help? Let us know if you see any red flags of rental fraud.
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