Rental Scams

TIPS TO AVOID RENTAL SCAMS

Below you will find some tips, from the Newport News Police Department's Economic Crimes Unit, to prevent you from becoming a victim of rental fraud. 

Top Eight Red Flags

• The listing photos have a watermark or you can tell are “copied-and-pasted.” This is known as a “Clone scam.”
• The listing details are vague.
• They are eager for you to rent without seeing the property first.
• They will make a deal without any background info.
• They claim to be out of town, too sick, or out of the country and cannot meet you in person.
• They claim to be renting on behalf of someone else. This is known as a “Middleman scam.”
• The asking rent does not match rent in area. The price is too good to be true.
• They want you to wire or mail money to them.

Avoid Rental Scams

• Meet the landlord or agent in person.
• See the property in person.
• Protect yourself; never pay with cash.
• Have a written lease and read it before signing.
• Do your research; verify the owner of the property.
• Check reviews. Many renters will give negative feedback, but very few leave positive reviews.

If You're a Victim of Rental Fraud

• Contact the Newport News Police Department.
• Notify the listing website (Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, etc.).
• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
• File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).