Scams probably date back to Adam and Eve but with the advent of the internet there are new twists to scams and applicants need to beware.
Scammers may target property managers as well as tenants but we have more ways to verify information. We ask for id, we run your credit, we verify your income and we talk to your current landlord. If you want to scam us you could fudge some of those categories but not likely all of them. And then there's the big guns tool we use to vet you as a tenant: our gut. If it doesn't feel right we sit on our heels and ponder.
I have had several new tenants tell me about internet scams. Our most popular website for posting available leases is Craigslist. Scammers often copy our ads and put a ridiculously low price on our rentals. So how do you seperate the legitimate from the illegitimate?
Beware if someone is willing to rent property to you before you view it.
Beware if the price is seriously under market. If it sounds too good to be true it is.
Beware if the leasing agent does not have an office. If his only contact is by phone.
Beware if you're asked to pay a deposit or rent before viewing the unit. You can be asked for an application fee and that amount varies by state but never pay a deposit or rent before personally viewing the unit.
If your leasing agent is licensed check your state's Department of Real Estate website to verify the license.
Remember your ultimate tool: your gut. If it doesn't feel right walk away.
