SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S MAY 2024 FRAUD ALERT: AVOIDING HOME RENTAL SCAMS
Your search for an apartment or rental home has been tedious and disheartening. Rental prices and availability make the process extremely frustrating.
The often-difficult search for an affordable home or apartment to rent…in a suitable location…and the struggles encountered by renters…has caught the attention of scammers prepared to make you an offer that will appear nearly miraculous.
An appealing, affordable listing appears on social media, via text or online and it seems as if your search has ended. The apartment, or home, is significantly less expensive than those you have visited and/or seen online. The location is ideal.
You scroll through the interior photographs and are thoroughly satisfied with all that you see.
You had best act on this before this opportunity is gobbled up by another potential renter!
While this listing may be legitimate, it may also be another example of the now-common fraudulent practice of “Rental Listing Scams.”
Criminals copy/download photos from a legitimate listing. They include, and perhaps embellish, the description. They remove the actual rental agent’s contact information and replace it with their fraudulent contact info.
Having searched for a seemingly endless amount of time for a deal such as this one, you quickly reach out to the agent or property owner and eagerly comply with their request for an application fee, security deposit, first and last months’ rental payment.
Payment will need to be wired, sent using cryptocurrency or even in the form of gift cards.
As they will likely require information to complete a background check, you gladly provide them will all of your personal identification information inclusive of your social security number and date of birth.
You may wish to schedule a visit to the property…which the agent/property owner will “gladly schedule” a couple of weeks down the road. They are out of town…tied up on other business…but will not schedule a visit until they have received all requested funds and information.
You may have just secured the rental property that you have been dreaming of!
You may have just been scammed out of a great deal of money and your personal information.
It is critically important that you evaluate all rental listings. Search for the rental agent’s website and accurate contact information. Using this telephone number, contact the agent and inquire about the property.
Meet the agent and request identification and a business card upon meeting. “I’m out of business cards” or a handwritten business address won’t suffice.
If the “owner” is showing you the property, request state or federally-issued identification and, prior to making payment, verify their ownership using tax assessment or property appraiser websites. Simply because the “agent” or “homeowner” has access to the empty residence does not mean that they are operating legitimately.
Never make payment using cash, wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
If the “agent” or “property owner” demands that you deviate from these recommendations, walk away. It is highly likely that you are being scammed.
Immediately contact law enforcement regarding the incident.
Additionally, an electronic tip to the Federal Trade Commission can be made by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/.
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S MAY 2024 FRAUD ALERT: AVOIDING HOME RENTAL SCAMS
Your search for an apartment or rental home has been tedious and disheartening. Rental prices and availability make the process extremely frustrating.
The often-difficult search for an affordable home or apartment to rent…in a suitable location…and the struggles encountered by renters…has caught the attention of scammers prepared to make you an offer that will appear nearly miraculous.
An appealing, affordable listing appears on social media, via text or online and it seems as if your search has ended. The apartment, or home, is significantly less expensive than those you have visited and/or seen online. The location is ideal.
You scroll through the interior photographs and are thoroughly satisfied with all that you see.
You had best act on this before this opportunity is gobbled up by another potential renter!
While this listing may be legitimate, it may also be another example of the now-common fraudulent practice of “Rental Listing Scams.”
Criminals copy/download photos from a legitimate listing. They include, and perhaps embellish, the description. They remove the actual rental agent’s contact information and replace it with their fraudulent contact info.
Having searched for a seemingly endless amount of time for a deal such as this one, you quickly reach out to the agent or property owner and eagerly comply with their request for an application fee, security deposit, first and last months’ rental payment.
Payment will need to be wired, sent using cryptocurrency or even in the form of gift cards.
As they will likely require information to complete a background check, you gladly provide them will all of your personal identification information inclusive of your social security number and date of birth.
You may wish to schedule a visit to the property…which the agent/property owner will “gladly schedule” a couple of weeks down the road. They are out of town…tied up on other business…but will not schedule a visit until they have received all requested funds and information.
You may have just secured the rental property that you have been dreaming of!
You may have just been scammed out of a great deal of money and your personal information.
It is critically important that you evaluate all rental listings. Search for the rental agent’s website and accurate contact information. Using this telephone number, contact the agent and inquire about the property.
Meet the agent and request identification and a business card upon meeting. “I’m out of business cards” or a handwritten business address won’t suffice.
If the “owner” is showing you the property, request state or federally-issued identification and, prior to making payment, verify their ownership using tax assessment or property appraiser websites. Simply because the “agent” or “homeowner” has access to the empty residence does not mean that they are operating legitimately.
Never make payment using cash, wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
If the “agent” or “property owner” demands that you deviate from these recommendations, walk away. It is highly likely that you are being scammed.
Immediately contact law enforcement regarding the incident.
Additionally, an electronic tip to the Federal Trade Commission can be made by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/.
RSS Feed