Rental scams abound after storm’s devastation
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, many people have been displaced from their homes throughout the greater Houston area and may be seeking alternative living arrangements, including staying with family or friends, renting an apartment, or residing in a hotel.
Some may be trying businesses like Airbnb, an online site that allows you to rent a home or room at various places.
Unfortunately, scammers have recently started conning renters by misusing the Airbnb name.
Phony landlords post photos of toogood-to-be-true rentals and claim the property will be managed by Airbnb. In reality, both the property and the relationship with Airbnb are fake.
The scam follows a similar pattern. You check Craigslist, Apartments.com or another major rental listing website for an apartment, and you spot a good deal. The apartment is a great price for the location. It comes fully furnished, allows pets, and includes utilities.
The “landlord” claims they are working overseas or on an offshore oil rig and looking for someone to rent the property.
Because they will be out of reach, Airbnb will supposedly manage the apartment.
You email the “landlord,” and receive a reply saying they will contact Airbnb to start the “rental process.” But first, they need your contact information, “a copy if your ID or passport if possible,” and a “fully refundable” $500 security deposit.
In some reports of this scam, targets were asked to pay by iTunes gift cards. Only once they receive the security deposit will an Airbnb agent be assigned to show you the property.
You send the money and information, and the “landlord” tells you to watch for a confirmation email from Airbnb.
Unfortunately, that message never comes. When you follow up with the fake landlord, they quickly stop replying to your emails. Unfortunately, you are out $500 and you shared your personally identifiable information with a con artist who could use it for identity theft.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips to spot a rental scam:
• Always pay through the Airbnb website. If a property is listed through Airbnb, you will never need to pay the landlord directly or through email, and you will never receive a PDF from Airbnb requesting payment.
• Watch out for deals that sound too good to be true. Scammers lure in targets by promising low rents, great amenities, and other perks. If the price seems much better than offered elsewhere, it may be a scam. • Don’t fall for the overseas landlord story. Scammers often claim to be out of the country and instruct targets to send money overseas.
• Check out BBB tips and information. Many scams use similar techniques. Visit BBBHouston.org to learn about similar rental scams. You may also check the BBB’s website to research businesses offering temporary or short-term rentals.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.