09/13/2026
HOW TO SPOT A RENTAL SCAM 101 - POST 3 - DUE DILIGENCE Recently, I was alerted that one of my properties had been fraudulently listed for rent. The advertisement stated, "Rents $470/month. Text ###-###-###x for more informations," which was far below market value and contained incorrect wording.
A prospective tenant had contacted the scammer and, through a series of text messages written in perfect English, was repeatedly told they needed to pay a $100 application fee. The scammer requested the fee four separate times.
Fortunately, the prospective tenant and a friend decided to do some due diligence before sending any money. They researched both company names, checked county assessor records to verify property ownership, and searched the property address to see if it appeared in other listings. Their investigation raised concerns. They Googled their concerns and then showed the answer to the scammer. They contacted me directly and provided the link to the ad.
I began calling and texting the number listed in the advertisement. As expected, the person continued asking for the $100 application fee. After numerous calls, the scammer finally answered. I identified myself as the company responsible for leasing the property on behalf of the owner and instructed him to remove the ad. It quickly became apparent that he did not understand English well. In broken English, he responded, "You pay application money?"
The reality is that there are individuals in foreign countries sitting behind computers, sending hundreds of messages each day to people across the United States in an attempt to collect small application fees. Sometimes they succeed.
The lesson is simple: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. DUE DILIGENCE is the key to protecting your hard-earned money and ensuring that you find a legitimate place for you and your family to live.
