05/20/2026
**BEWARE OF RENTAL SCAMS**
If you are looking to lease a property, be wary of scammers trying to take your money without renting as promised. Be especially cautious if the property owner asks you to provide a deposit before you see the property in person. A scammer hijacks or copies a legitimate listing from a real estate website, changes the contact information, and posts it on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook. Scammers often post fake listings in an attempt to collect advance deposits from unknowing consumers. Such scammers then make excuses as to why they are unavailable to show the property, or why you can’t pay them through their online listing. There are several variations of this scam, such as when a scamming lessee pretends to be the property owner or a leasing agent. The best defense is good research; always try to verify that the person holding themselves out as a property owner or leasing agent is in fact a legitimate. Do not send any money via a cash app, wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other means without VERIFYING that you are dealing with the actual property owner or licensed Realtor/Broker.
