How to Identify a Housing Rental Scam
No matter how the real estate market is doing, the real estate scammers will always be on the prowl.
Rental Scams - Scammers will scour Craigslist and other real estate property sites for real estate listings and create their own rental listing making it look like it is theirs including the photos, description and all.
Red Flags:
1. The rental price is abnormally low. If you see a 3 bedroom whole house rental for $1,000 per month that is very low for a whole house rental. The rental price for a 3 bedroom home in our area is around $2,000/month minimum.
2. They require you to wire the money. The lease signing is done in person and money is exchanged with a personal check or bank check. Do not wire money to anyone!
3. Not being able to see the house. Big red flag! I know most people will not rent a home without seeing it but this does happen. Do not pay for a rental without having easy access to see it.
Remember, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
If you ever have any questions, always feel free to contact me.
