Ever see an apartment listing that looked too good to be true? It might be a clever scam–even if the house is real.
CNBC Reports:
Easier, however, isn’t always safer. More than 43 percent of renters have found listings that seem fraudulent, and more than 5 million have been scammed, often losing thousands of dollars, according to a new report from Apartment List, a rental listing website.
The most common scams include the “bait-and-switch,” which is when a different property is advertised than the one that is actually available. The scammer tries to collect a deposit or get a lease signed for this property.
Another is the “hijacked ad,” which can even happen on homes that are legitimately for sale. The scammer poses as a fake landlord, advertising the for-sale home, but changing the contact information. Another scam is listing a property that is already leased and then trying to collect application fees or security deposits.
Some scams also happen on legitimate listings. The landlord will advertise amenities that don’t actually exist and then try to collect higher rent before the applicant realizes they are missing. Once the lease is signed, it becomes more difficult for the renter to get out of the deal. Of renters who have lost money in rental scams, 1 in 3 have lost more than $1,000, most often from paying a security deposit or rent on a fraudulent property.
So be safe, and don’t pay money for an apartment you haven’t seen in person!
As a member of the Housing and Construction Industry for 46 years I can attest to the number of people mislead relating to our business. The numbers are high and ripe for a “Quick Take!” People need to realize that anyone in a hurry to get a “fast payment” on anything is a “Big Red Flag!” And many scammers are great persuaders.
Rule of Thumb. The more money involved – the more research is needed. Look into a salesperson’s history by consulting those agencies that they are licensed by. Ask for references. Do they have an office and where is it? A quick look would be wise.
Once on a large project I was taking on a huge job and responsibility. My main subcontractor was doing approx. 75% of all the job. To be doubly sure I had him investigated by a professional agency. The price was reasonable and I found out volumes. Well worth the little extra cost.
Later, when the extra work became an issue, I presented the P.I’s work to the condo’s board. It made a big difference.