The number of online rental scams has increased since the pandemic started, largely because the inability to see an apartment or home before moving in raises fewer red flags in the era of social distancing.
Local authorities, Better Business Bureau’s local offices, and real estate companies warn renters looking for apartments to be extra diligent in their search and educate themselves on how to protect against rental scams – but the scammers still sometimes succeed.
The scam isn’t difficult to pull off. Criminals find active listings for homes either for sale or for rent and copy them. They then re-post the ads as rentals and change a few details, such as a contact name for more information. In general, they post a rental price notably below comparable area rentals to create angst in excited renters who want to move quickly. In fact, a price that’s too good to be true is the first red flag renters should consider.
Signs that an ad might be a scam include: typos or excessive punctuation, a request to wire money up-front without signing a contract and/or the absence of any type of screening process. In some cases, the scammers aren’t trying to get a deposit or rent upfront; instead, they require money for a pre-payment credit check, which should raise suspicion if it gets paid through a referral link.
To avoid scams, renters should look for verified listings, which come directly from property managers or owners. Additionally, renters can do a reverse Google search using one of the photos from the listing. The search results should show any other websites where that image appears.
Even during the pandemic, it’s important to visit the apartment in-person, which can be a self-guided tour. Many property managers will also conduct virtual apartment tours for prospective renters, but even then, it’s still advisable to visit the apartment and community in person.
News Source: Florida Realtors.org
AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM VACAY & CO REAL ESTATE
We want to reassure you the privacy & safety of your information is paramount to us. With all our listings – ONLY fully Licensed Realtors who are registered with the National Association of Realtors and Orlando Regional Realtors Association can request to view our Listings.
EVERY showing request and viewing is logged into our computer system for each listing so that we always know exactly which Realtor is showing and when. Please be assured that we work extremely diligently when listing properties for sale and for each buyer who comes directly to us to request a viewing has an escorted viewing with one of our fully licensed team members.