Do other ads come up for the same address?

Make sure to report.

Check out the rental company.

This means knowing how to spot and avoid rental scams, especially online.

How to avoid rental scams:

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Check out the apartment yourself (or send a trusted friend) to make sure it is what’s been advertised.

Phone numbers alone can be spoofed, so corroborate authenticity with supplemental info.

Dealing in cash is a bad start

A guide to recognizing and avoiding rental scams.

Learn how to spot a rental scam and safely search for your next property.

Those are signs of a scam.

The ic3, or internet crime complaint center, is a government agency that makes it easy for individuals to report a crime that takes place online.

Here are a few tips on how to catch a rental scammer and stop them from ripping anyone else off by reporting rental scams:

Search online for the rental’s address, plus the name of the property owner or rental company listed.

Maybe with a different owner or rental company name?

Need more space than an apartment, condo or townhouse can offer, but not ready to buy?

As a renter, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against those who may try to take your money fraudulently.

Always make sure to see the inside of the property.

Search their website to see if the property is listed there, too.

If the landlord insists you pay a fee or deposit before they show you the place, keep looking.

Read documents carefully, and don’t transfer any money until you’re confident in the landlord or broker.

1) you’re having trouble contacting the landlord or leasing agent.

Rental scams can be daunting but don't swear off real estate websites just yet.

But using trusted sites and knowing the red flags before signing a lease can help you avoid being a victim of a rental scam.

That’s most likely a scammer.

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We prepared an ultimate list of tips that will teach you how to spot a rental scammer while looking for a perfect place, and we’re ready to make a real homegrown renting expert out of you.

File a complaint with the ic3 :

10 red flags to look out for.

When possible, meet in person.

Quick tips to avoid rental scams when you’re searching for a rental.

6 common rental scams and tips for avoiding them.

Check ownership and licensing of landlord/property manager.

No one wants to learn that the rental they were touring was a scam.