When you're in the market for a new rental home, scrolling through countless online listings can feel like a full-time job. They may start to look alike… until one diamond in the rough pops out at you. Is it too good to be true? It just might be. Sadly, there are bad actors out there posing as legitimate rental properties to get access to your personal information and money.
Stay vigilant!
Our trusted partner, Dwellworks, has shared some essential tips in their blog post, "Beware Fraudulent Listings and Your Online Rental Search."
Let me hit a few highlights for you…
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Do Your Research: Perform an online search of the rental company. Look for reviews, complaints, or mentions of scams. If you find negative feedback, consider looking elsewhere.
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Verify the Listing: Rental home listings may appear in several places. Ensure the listing appears on the rental company's official website by searching the home's address. If it doesn't, it could be a scam.
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Compare Prices: If the rent is significantly lower than comparable rentals in the area, it could be a red flag indicating a potential scam.
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Visit the Property: Always tour the property in person or have a trusted local representative do it for you.
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Secure Transactions: Never pay with cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Use secure, traceable payment methods and apply through reputable rental companies or licensed real estate professionals.
By being aware of fraudulent rental listings, you can avoid costly mistakes. Destination Service Providers (DSP) can be an extremely valuable resource to help you avoid scams and still help you find a great place to rent. They can even review your lease for any major red flags or concerns. It’s nice to have someone looking out for you.
Read the full article on the Dwellworks blog here for more detailed tips and insights.
Happy home search!
CitySwitcher's information is intended to be helpful but may not apply to every situation. You are solely responsible for your moving-related decisions and outcomes. Please seek professional advice from a relevant service provider for guidance specific to you.
