Kyle Hiscock gives us some great tips to, There may be a time and place to use a house flipping company to unload your house. As you’re hunting for your next house or apartment to rent, look out for these red flags to help avoid future rental scams.. Are you being scammed? He might lead all prospects to believe they're getting that apartment and collect fees and security deposits upfront. Once they have the money, the scammers disappear. December 28, 2017. One consumer reported a rental being offered by a couple who claimed to be chemical engineers and had moved to Europe. In August, a woman in Skokie, Illinois, was charged with posing as a landlord to steal rent money and security deposits from apartment hunters, according to WBBM Newsradio. Scammers even sell boats as wheelchair accessible. Vague initial inquiry, e.g. Search Massachusetts Homes and Real Estate for Sale- Map Based Search, Middlesex County Real Estate for Sale- New to Market, Essex County Massachusetts Real Estate and Homes for Sale, Buy A Condo | A Guide to Buying A Condo In Massachusetts, What is My House Worth? "I came across a house listed for rent that happened to be on the same street as a friend of ours," Blankenship said. Pets are even allowed for an additional fee. You'd deal directly with this guy. "Oh sorry! They will create a listing, make the rental sound amazing, offer it at a very low price, not require money upfront, and so on. We're talking about an adorable apartment that's fully furnished, all utilities — gas, electricity and water — included in what some call the North Cass neighborhood. One couple came some time ago to look at the building convinced they had a good deal, according to someone who answered in the apartment building's rental office but declined to give his name. How to Tell If a Rental Is Legitimate. Arnold emailed me a rental/sublease application — before I could see any lease — which requested a "reservation payment method" or a "bank deposit/transfer" if I wanted to reserve the unit. First problem: You're not getting any further than those pictures. You can find multiple listings for the apartment… in different cities. The scammer is trying to get you to send a deposit prior to ever seeing the property or meeting them. On another note, the lack of screening process also plays into the renters on the fringe. (A temporary email account was set up through the BBB to cover my own identity and make sure that we weren't getting some sort of malware in the process.). The couple had been communicating with a scammer, not the real landlords, according to the rental office. And if you don't mind a brisk walk, you could get to the "DIA, The Detroit Science Center, The Detroit Public Library while you enjoy a mocha latte from Great Lakes Coffee.". The money is required upfront. Here are some practical tips to keep yourself safe. 2. According […] "While researching the house further, I found that the house was actually listed for sale on another website. These peer exchanges are an amazing resource, especially since the the average U.S. home as more than 50 unused items worth $3,000 just lying around. I do know that many people are falling for Craigslist rental scams, as well as similar scams on other online sites. "What time will someone show us the studio?" The grammar on those texts or emails is out of whack. Most scams attempts involve one or more of the following: 1. The scammer may even say your purchase has already been shipped. We’ve had instances in the past where scammers have stolen the pictures from homes for sale on Zillow and posted them as rentals on Craigslist. Massachusetts Home Values, how an investor can be scammed while purchasing an investment property, pro and cons of using a house flipping company, Learn how to keep your data safe during a real estate transaction, Cape Cod Home- The Original American Cottage. Your email address will not be published. No idea where this renter was working now. 2. This is one of the most popular Craigslist rental scams, perhaps because it’s so cheap to execute. How to spot a Craigslist scammer. These can be homes for rent or homes for sale. When a victim replies to the rental ad, the scammer asks the victim to obtain their credit score by clicking on a link included in the email. He was in Arizona and couldn’t show the house. Every month 157 million people use sites like Letgo, Offerup, Craigslist, Ebay and more to buy or sell just about anything imaginable. Bustathief » Online Scams » How To Spot Craigslist Rental Scams. This is how some rental scammers try to lure you in and an easy way to know how to spot a scammer on Craigslist. The online photos make you want to look twice at this apartment, which isn't far from the Lodge Freeway and Wayne State University. The backstory involves some emergency or unexpected reason why you're not going to be able to see the inside of that house or apartment right now. An 18-year-old woman was arrested in Berea, Kentucky, on charges that she stole $1,600 in a rental scam there, according to news reports there. ", "If you are willing to proceed," he answered quickly, "you gonna text me your email address so i can forward you the Rental Application Form which you will have to fill and send it back to me.". The building itself does exist — and there are people living in it. They may have poor credit, no rental history or bad references. It’s better to avoid a potential scam than to be scammed. The 36-year-old woman went on Craigslist calling herself Sarah Goldberg and told several people she had an apartment to rent, provided lease agreements to some of them, and took security deposits and rent from them. More: Got-your-back spirit gives a boost to Detroit startups, More: Why the love you met online cannot meet for drinks. Do not send money before a rental screening, it is quite possible you are part of a Craigslist rental scam. My contact for this mysterious studio apartment — and the same contact for the Livonia man — called himself Arnold Almelor. For example, a tenant who's vacating his apartment might decide to show it, pretending to be the landlord. Got-your-back spirit gives a boost to Detroit startups, Why the love you met online cannot meet for drinks, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It's ridiculous. Suspected Craigslist scammers are posing as locals and posting ads selling cars. Apartment rental scams are more common than you might think and can be difficult to spot. A big American flag decorates one wall that is smartly painted in a rich, deep gray. An eye-catching red-white-and-blue pillow perks up a modest light gray chair. "These were all red flags to me, but for every person they don’t fool, there may be one that they do. If a seller encourages you to send a down payment or any form of money before receiving your item, this is a strong indication that they are trying to scam buyers. Back at the Detroit apartment building, the scammers appear to have tried to rent the same apartment a few times. This is particularly common with real estate and rental scams. "Yes, but i am out of town due to the nature of my Job! (I'm typing the exact wording — including words that are capitalized and aren't — to give you a complete picture here. The Listing Photos Have an MLS Watermark. ), "The pictures you saw on Craigslist are the exact pictures of the apartment inside. Scammers want to get you off the site before anyone notices the fraud. If the rental listing's photos sport a watermark – which is used to identify the owner of the photo – look closely. When the victim clicks the link, a scammer-operated redirection server sends the victim to a credit score company and includes a referral ID. I'm not usually one to text with scammers but an apartment rental deal in Detroit's Midtown had me intrigued. In this video, Dustin Brohm, a Salt Lake City Real Estate agent shows how to spot a rental … If wanted, he said, I could "go ahead and view the apartment environment. "One common scenario is that the scammer pretends to have been transferred suddenly for work," according to a BBB alert earlier this year. Now whether he'd FedEx me anything — or perhaps be so clever as to mail some key that didn't work — I don't know. What Is The Difference Between A REALTOR And A Real Estate Agent? It should be no surprise that con artists are figuring out ways to game the system and rip off consumers with fake deals. Maybe I crossed the line and turned too personal when I asked: "What do you do? One possibility of many could be that the property is a ‘bait and switch’, or that the owner is using it to lure in potential renters before suddenly taking it off the market and replacing it with a similar, more costly, unit. Scammers often prey on first-time apartment renters, long-distance movers and those who aren’t internet savvy. To spot a Craigslist Scammer. 4. Cybersecurity can be critical during any real estate transaction. Craigslist scams are unfortunately pretty common, so it's important to be extra vigilant if you want to buy a car from a seller on Craigslist. Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face to complete the transaction. Follow her on Twitter @tompor. On any day of the week, you can find hundreds of local listings that include apartment and home rentals, cars for sale, concert and play tickets, jobs, and every conceivable secondhand item you can think of. She said a quick review of local BBB data showed about 30 reports of rental scams here. Just fine, I thought. ", "In the apartment?" ", But Arnold abruptly cut off contact at one point after emailing me that form. Craigslist plainly states, "Anyone who asks you to do so is likely a scammer." Maybe you were the victim of a serious crime such as robbery, identity theft, Internet fraud, or … How to Tell if a Rental is Legitimate During the summer months, the scammers come out swinging so be aware. It’s always a good idea to right click on an image in a Craigslist post and “Search Google for image.”. Actually I moved out of town due to the nature of my Job and this is the reason i'm renting out the apartment till my return back to Detroit in a year and a half," according to the guy who texted me back. To make you think that, well, maybe you had some sort of shot, the fellow texted that I would have the "right to terminate our agreement upon arrival and i will refund your deposit payment immediately, if you find the unit in an unanticipated form or dissimilar to the pictures you saw on Craigslist.". Up Next. How to avoid scams. Whether your Craigslist addiction is severe or recreational, we’ve all come across deals that seem too good to be true. Urban chic apparently has its own charming appeal for cyber crooks too. 03/11/2014 05:32 pm ET Updated May 11, 2014 When something is too good to be true, it probably is. A day later, he did send another email, further explaining why he would not send a lease agreement in advance. If you’re looking for your next rental home, these tips may help you spot and avoid common rental scams. The scammer calls himself Bob Osell, claims to be renting the house located at 2237 Kay St. in Longmont, Colorado, and to be reachable at (760)2378225. (Craigslist did not respond to emails from the Free Press about this listing.). If you're suspicious of a listing, go to the Craigslist for a few other cities and search for the same title or wording. No apartments were even available in late August when one of these Craigslist ads ran. I responded. The lack of a screening process is enticing to these renters. The problem: The person he ended up texting with, clearly, was up to no good. Some Craigslist scammers may ask you to send money to a foreign address because they “have suddenly been stationed overseas,” or something similar. The dirty Detroit deal involved a statement by the con artist that he'd "only send the approved lease agreement at the right time.". The Better Business Bureau warns that when it comes to apartments and home rentals, con artists will lift real photos and descriptions stolen from other websites. "I think this is a rather common scam, unfortunately," said Laura Blankenship, director of marketing for the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan. Desperationjudgment causes poor judgement. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t buy and sell on Craigslist if you know the scammer warning signs for Craigslist fraud and how to avoid scams on Craigslist. Having some basic knowledge about the scammers and their techniques is a must for everyone who wants to rent a place successfully without dealing with frauds and their shady schemes. See Gallery. Is renting on Craigslist a good idea? A few minutes later, he texted: "How are you doing baby?". Below is an example of a Craigslist rental scam. Some lose $450 or $500 when they put a deposit down just to take the property off the market. If you are a renter, how can you protect yourself from falling for a rental scam? Arnold said he'd take a $500 refundable security deposit via PayPal or "which ever method pleases you. Big clue: The fake “landlord” replies to your message but claims to be out of town. She and her husband ran across an online scam, too, when looking for a home closer to Southfield. Urgency and desperation are what scammers are looking for when running a rental scam on Craigslist. 2. With the proliferation of free and paid rental sites, more and more rental scams are hitting the market. Background check that seller if you don’t want to get scammed. One troubling red flag: Scammers may ask you to send a security deposit before you even sign or see the conditions in a lease. So, how do you know if you’re getting scammed on Craigslist? "That person is not connected or associated to our company or property," according to an email from Eastwood Management. Check them out to get an idea of the language scammers use. Tewksbury Real Estate. When you’re apartment hunting, your focus is typically on finding a great new place in a neighborhood you like.While you may not be on the lookout for a scam, keeping your eyes open for a potential fraudster is in your best interest. One of the quickest ways to spot a fraud is when you receive an email that doesn't use a Craigslist address. ... How to spot a Craigslist scammer. Stumbled upon a deal that sounds like a total steal? Requesting deposit money first. Most landlords want to know who is living in their home. First question: How soon can I see this one? 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. If the seller requests payment abroad through the likes of Western Union or MoneyGram, it should appear fishy. There is always a story that leads you to believe they are a good person and are trustworthy. A proper rental screening includes pulling a credit score and asking questions about work history, salary and rental history. 3. View more articles. By Elise Torres. And he wasn't working with an agent or property manager. The newest feature on CL is EV charging. People who own houses with an EV charging station are not the ones posting their million dollar villas for $100-350/night at Craigslist. I mean who couldn’t use a little extra money and it’s also good for the environment. Bill Gassett covers the. It's just very unlikely that the guy I was texting with ever lived there a day in his life. On each post, there is a box at the top that you can check if you believe the ad is fraudulent (See photo). The Livonia man, fortunately, gave up completely when he couldn't even see a lease in advance. A white French glass door opens from the living room area into the small kitchen. Who has a EV charging station at home? "As soon as we can have the lease agreement signed i'm gonna mail you the key via FedEx overnight delivery so you get it the next day," the text read. I only learned this name after agreeing to have an email sent to me with this "rental/sublease application." Rental scam #1 – the cloned listing. Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter. Craigslist is a perfect example of that. You're going to be asked to pay a deposit or application fee without seeing the terms of the lease or the actual property. "Some times the realtor inflates the price and it takes longer to get the right Tenant so because of this reason and more i decided to do it on my own," he responded. The owner or person subleasing the apartment is out of state, or maybe out of the country. Other versions of rental scams involve disclosing details like your Social Security number early in the process. I texted the person offering to sublet the apartment. Tips and tricks for catching a Craigslist scam before it’s too late Posted September 04, 2019 By Dean Larson. Western Union, Money Gram, cashier check, money order, Paypal, Zelle, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee." Email or text from someone that is not local to your area. I told you," he said in a snarky text. A Livonia man clued me into a Craigslist ad after an exchange he had during his search for an apartment that would be closer to his job in downtown Detroit. When she contacted the so-called "owner" online, he emailed back saying they had once listed it for sale but decided to rent it instead. A property that is priced below the going market rate in your area should be an immediate red flag. Google the address and see if the home is currently for sale or in foreclosure. How I Fell for an Awful Craigslist Rental Scam and What I Should Have Done Differently. Poor grammar/spelling. Rental scams aren’t the only real estate scam you need to watch out for. Report fraud: Do your part to protect your property and other landlords’ by letting Craigslist know when you spot a fishy rental ad. ", He told me the address, informed me that the deal would involve a $500 "refundable security deposit," and stated that the apartment was available for a year and a half. Craigslist also provides some example emails of scams used in the past. It requires very little effort on their part," Blankenship said. Avoiding a rental scam takes a bit of common sense, and a few minutes of research. As part of my so-called apartment search, I did drive down to the apartment building on Willis Street. No chitchatting about Midtown's tacos or tapas. Did you like living there? If you spot a possible rental scam you should contact the website that published the listing. No one, of course, was handling this deal for him. A few things to out for when buying an ATV or Dirt Bike on Craigslist HOW TO SPOT A SCAM ON CRAIGSLIST 2017 Scammers are worse than ever before. For example, a scammer may list a 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath house for rent at half the … In some cases, the BBB said, the scammer may claim that you can see the property through a rental agent — only after you pay the deposit. By Dr. John L. Reizer Editor at NoFakeNews.net Have you ever been lied to or cheated out of something that was very important to you at a particular time in your life. Scammers try to "get your money before you find out" that the apartment or home they're listing isn't really for rent, according to an alert from the Federal Trade Commission. Other versions of rental scams involve disclosing details like your Social Security number early in the process. Thousands of people post ads here every day for free, ... Scammers can still show you the property without owning it, … Students in college towns, for example, can get taken by paying money to people via credit or debit card to “hold the apartment” until the landlord is back in town and able to show the space. A rental that seems too good to be true is often one of the many Craigslist rental scams. But how to tell a Craigslist rental scam is not as well known. How To Spot A Craigslist Scammer: 3 Telltale Signs. If the image pops up on other listings, or other websites for a different location you’re dealing with a cloned listing. There are several other Craigslist scams out there that you have to watch out for when using the site. Contact Susan Tompor at 313-222-8876 or stompor@freepress.com. Here are 9 ways to spot a rental scam on Craigslist: That’s how they got photos of the house’s interior.". Yep, and I'm telling you, Arnold, we're not falling one bit for this dopey deal. Craigslist rental scammers copy and paste information and/or pictures from legitimate listings. I asked him the square footage of the apartment. Online rental scams exist, of course, because many apartment and home searches do begin by researching specialty websites. He never answered that question. Know who is signing the lease as the landlord. Once the prospects realize they've been scammed, the scammer has usually vanished with their money. How To Spot Craigslist Rental Scams. Paul Sian covers, An unoccupied house could be the target of a real estate scam. asking about "the item." By now, in 2018, most people know that rental scams on Craigslist abound. "Did you like living there?". I know you've probably heard that before, but no words could be truer -- … He, of course, was no longer in Michigan. Of course, the person in the apartment management office in Detroit couldn't understand why someone would put a deposit down before seeing an apartment or think they could get a studio for $625 when it would normally go for $750 or more in that area. He spotted a one-bedroom apartment with attractive wood floors on Willis Street, nicely priced at $625 a month. Do a reverse image search of some of the listing photos to see if they are being used elsewhere. The apartment is within walking distance of some of the cooler Midtown spots, according to the online description, including Avalon Bakery, the Shinola Detroit Store, Selden  Standard, La Feria Spanish Tapas and Alley Taco. Than those pictures showed about 30 reports of rental scams are more common than you might think and be... I 'm telling you, Arnold, we ’ ve all come across that! French glass door opens from the living room area into the renters on the...., in 2018, most people know that rental scams good to true! The real landlords, according to the apartment environment that published the listing to... In Arizona and couldn ’ t use a Craigslist rental scammers copy and paste and/or. Agreement in advance that are capitalized and are n't — to give you a complete picture here seller... Scams exist, of course, was handling this deal for him is signing the lease the! Be difficult to spot a rental being offered by a couple who to... 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