Stay on lookout for rental scams this summer
With the summer moving season in high gear, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas is seeing an uptick in reports of rental scams. Finding a new place to live is stressful, and scammers know that people in the midst of moving don’t always have time to do the necessary research. Don’t be one of them.
Rental scams often follow a similar pattern. You respond to an online rental listing that touts a beautiful home, low rent, and great amenities.
It looks legitimate; con artists often use real photos and descriptions stolen from other websites. The “landlord” replies to your message claiming to be out of town and unable to show the property.
One common scenario is that the scammer pretends to have been transferred suddenly for work.
The scammer will then create a false sense of urgency, telling you that others are interested so you must act immediately. They will ask for a security deposit and/or first month’s rent to reserve the property.
The scammer may claim that you can see the property through a rental agent — only after you pay the deposit. In some versions, the “landlord” will require prospective tenants to complete an application form, which asks for personal details like Social Security number.
No matter the details, once you send the money the result is the same. The “landlord” will stop responding to messages and disappear. Your new home never existed.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to avoid these scams:
Watch out for deals that are too good. Scammers lure you in by promising low rents, extra amenities, and a great location. If the price seems much better than offered elsewhere, it may be a scam.
Search online for similar properties. Do a quick search for the listing, scammer’s email address, or phone number. If you find the same ad listed in other cities, that’s a huge red flag.
See the property in person. Ask to meet the owner or see the property before agreeing to a lease. If you can’t visit an apartment or house yourself, ask someone you trust to go and confirm that it is what was advertised. It is a red flag if the owner will not allow you or someone you know to visit the property.
Don’t wire money or use a prepaid debit card. Don’t send money to someone you’ve never met for an apartment you haven’t seen. You should never pay for a rental by prepaid debit card or wire transfer before seeing a property or a lease agreement. These payments are the same as sending cash. Once you send the money, you have no way to get it back.
That’s why scammers depend upon these forms of payment. In rental scams, the owner will offer to mail you the keys after you send in a check, but don’t be fooled by this.
Scammers lure you in by promising low rents, extra amenities, and a great location. If the price seems much better than offered elsewhere, it may be a scam.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call
713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.