Rental Scams

The property owners should be aware of the renter’s scams if they are offering the property for lease.

Report scams targeting property owners

You can report it to the FBI if you feel that you are the victim of the renter’s scam involving the Internet. You can also contact your State Attorney general’s office to learn about your legal rights as a landlord. In addition to this, also understand how to file a complaint against a renter.

How to protect from scams targeting property owners?

Do’s

• Search your renter thoroughly and also his email address to see if others have deemed them as scammers.
• Get a tenant background check which is also known as a consumer report.
• Consult the Federal Trade Commission to learn more about legal background checks.
• Meet the prospective tenant in person who’ll pay the rent before you rent them your property.
• Do the Image search of your property because certain imposters may use your property images to create their listings.
• Get to know the renter’s personal preferences and have a follow-up with them.
• The most important is verifying the renter’s income.

Don’t

• Never accept overpayment for rental properties.
• Return the cheque if it contains more than the specified amount and does not deposit it.
• Do not sell the property without meeting or seeing the tenant in person.
• Never accept a cashier’s check when the tenant is out of the country.
• Do not fall into the trap of unexplained urgency to rent the property.