09/09/2022
Warning to ALL Potential Tenants and Landlords out there. Twice in the last year one of my rental properties has been involved in Rental Scams
How the SCAM Works
1. The “Real Landlord or Agent for Landlord” markets and promotes an available rental. The “Scammer” Duplicates the listing but usually it’s on FB Market Place or Craigslist. Places that are Fee, that do not VERIFY identities of account holders, and attract people trying to avoid Rental Companies.
2. They copy your photos and property description and listing details
3. Unfortunately; they are successful at collecting Security Deposits, and even 1st months rent “Without” the victim even viewing the property
Legit Landlords require applications, do back ground checks, require identification, and proof of income. Most landlords unless the property is occupied require you to view the property before signing a lease. There are standards of practice that are usually follow and it take several days in most cases to APPROVE Applicants. If someone is like............SEND ME MONEY NOW AND ITS YOURS, and nothing official has been done air on the side of caution. Yes, the is a Rental Housing shortage so understandable someone might jump on the 1st opportunity. Yes, there are Landlords out there that don’t hire professional companies so they do things a little different and market on FREE platforms. Just be cautious
BEWARE; you will not be able to recover money given to these scammers. These people I believe are foreigners. They only text and email and usually as weird hours. The also write in broken English
It is real easy to google an address and if you see it listed on reputable sites take the time to reach out to the landlord through that site.
I personally put in all my marketing descriptions Landlord does not advertise on FB Market Place or Craigslist, beware of Rental Scams. I do my best to make the public aware; unfortunately found out yesterday someone was taken for a Deposit and 1st Months Rent on a property in Edwardsville IL that Was no longer on the Market. 😔 If you are reading this please educate your friends, and family that may be out looking for rentals
