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).