07/08/2021
Please beware of Rental Schemes. If you see a property for rent, google the address and see what turns up with the major websites like GRAR, Zillow, Hotpads, Zumper etc.
If searching for a home to rent/lease, please be aware of an ongoing scam that is continuing to frustrate homeowners, interested renters, and real estate professionals throughout West Michigan.
HOW IT WORKS:
• The scammers will search real estate websites to copy information from single family homes that are available for sale, and will then use that information to create fraudulent rental advertisements.
• The advertisements appear credible as they include property details and interior and exterior photos.
• In many cases, the ad will indicate that the homeowner is out of the state for one reason or another and can communicate only by email or text.
• There may even be a link to an online rental application.
• The intent of this scam is to obtain personal information from interested renters for the purpose of identity theft and/or for the theft of rental deposits.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
• If you are a seeking a single family home to rent and find an advertisement online, please visit www.grar.com before responding to the ad.
• This will enable you to search by property address to determine if the home is actually for sale (not for rent), and to notify the REALTOR representing the property that there is a fraudulent ad online.
PLEASE DO NOT:
• Please do not provide your personal information or send a deposit without taking the simple step referenced above to confirm that the advertisement is credible.
