Quick tips to avoid rental scams when you’re searching for a rental. Check ownership and licensing of landlord/property manager. Phone numbers alone can be spoofed, so corroborate authenticity with supplemental info. When possible, meet in person. A guide to recognizing and avoiding rental scams. As a renter, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against those who may try to take your money fraudulently. This means knowing how to spot and avoid rental scams, especially online. Rental scams can be daunting but don't swear off real estate websites just yet. Learn how to spot a rental scam and safely search for your next property. Check out the apartment yourself (or send a trusted friend) to make sure it is what’s been advertised. If the landlord insists you pay a fee or deposit before they show you the place, keep looking. That’s most likely a scammer. 6 common rental scams and tips for avoiding them. Always make sure to see the inside of the property. Read documents carefully, and don’t transfer any money until you’re confident in the landlord or broker. Make sure to report. Need more space than an apartment, condo or townhouse can offer, but not ready to buy? Search online for the rental’s address, plus the name of the property owner or rental company listed. Do other ads come up for the same address? Maybe with a different owner or rental company name? Those are signs of a scam. Check out the rental company. Search their website to see if the property is listed there, too. We prepared an ultimate list of tips that will teach you how to spot a rental scammer while looking for a perfect place, and we’re ready to make a real homegrown renting expert out of you. Dealing in cash is a bad start Here are a few tips on how to catch a rental scammer and stop them from ripping anyone else off by reporting rental scams: File a complaint with the ic3 : The ic3, or internet crime complaint center, is a government agency that makes it easy for individuals to report a crime that takes place online. How to avoid rental scams: 10 red flags to look out for. No one wants to learn that the rental they were touring was a scam. But using trusted sites and knowing the red flags before signing a lease can help you avoid being a victim of a rental scam. 1) you’re having trouble contacting the landlord or leasing agent.
