Warning: Renting Scams to Beware of When Viewing Apartments Without Seeing Them

Many would-be tenants face a common but insidious threat in the world of rental housing: scams that promise an apartment in exchange for a deposit before seeing the property. This article will discuss such scams, explain why they are prevalent, and provide guidance on how to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

What Kind of Scam is This?

IT'S a very common scam. It often involves a situation where a prospective tenant is offered an apartment in exchange for paying a security deposit, all without ever stepping foot inside the rental property. This scenario not only bypasses crucial vetting processes like in-person visits or background checks but also makes it exceptionally difficult to recover any funds if something goes wrong.

The High Risks Involved:

The apartment simply doesn’t exist. The apartment is already rented out. The landlord or property manager is dishonest and intends to keep your deposit. In extreme cases, the apartment may not even be in the agreed-upon location.

Scammers may use various tactics such as creating fake listings, exploiting the convenience of online platforms, and using manipulative excuses to avoid meeting in person.

Avoiding Scams: Best Practices

The key to avoiding such scams is simple and effective: Deal locally face-to-face. Following this rule can help you avoid 99% of scam attempts. Here are some additional tips:

Avoid providing payment to anyone you have not met in person: This includes online payment services like Venmo, PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfers. Be wary of offers involving shipping: These often involve third parties and can be risky. Never send funds to anyone using Western Union or other similar services: These are often used by scammers. Avoid accepting cashier’s or certified checks, or money orders: Banks may cash these, and if the check is fake, you might end up responsible. Transact directly between the buyer and seller only: Avoid any third-party involvement. Never share sensitive information like bank accounts, social security numbers, or PayPal accounts: Hackers can exploit such information. Never rent or purchase sight-unseen: Always visit the property in person to ensure it meets your needs and expectations. Refuse background/credit checks until you meet the landlord in person: Scammers may use these as a pretext to part you from your funds.

Common Tactics and Red Flags

Some common tactics used by scammers include:

Offering apartments without viewing them, particularly on online platforms like Airbnb or Craigslist. Asking for payment upfront before showing the property. Creating elaborate stories to avoid meeting in person, such as being out of town or having a last-minute issue. Using fake apartment listings to entice potential tenants. Trying to meet at the property and providing fake keys.

The most reliable way to protect yourself is to always request a tour of the apartment before making any payment or signing a lease. Verify the address for the property owner and look for any inconsistencies.

Conclusion

No legitimate landlord rents a place without meeting the tenant and getting necessary paperwork. No responsible tenant will commit to a rental without seeing the actual space. If you encounter anyone promising this, it is highly likely a scam. Be cautious of any message asking you to access or check something remotely, as this is not a real service.

Always prioritize meeting in person and exercising due diligence before committing to a rental. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of such scams.