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Rental Safety Tips If it seems "too good to be true," it probably is. Does the monthly rent for the apartment seem unusually low? Investigate similar apartments in your desired area to determine the approximate rent you should expect to pay. Trust your instincts and walk away from any suspicious rental situations. Check out who you're dealing with online. Make sure to meet your prospective landlord or property manager in person before deciding to rent an apartment. Avoid unusual forms of payment. Never use a wire transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, or an online escrow service when sending money (such as a down payment or security deposit) for an apartment. Never rent an apartment "sight unseen." Before sending or paying any money (including by cashier's check), ensure that the apartment's condition, size, features and amenities match what was described in the online listing by visiting the place yourself or by asking a friend to visit for you. does not handle lease transactions or money transfers. Do not do business with anyone who promises that is handling any part of the actual lease transaction, including payment protection, apartment certification, escrow services or "satisfaction guarantees" of any kind. Common Signs of Online Apartment Fraud: While none of the signs below is a definite indication of fraud, proceed with caution if you encounter any of the following when dealing with a landlord or property manager. Landlord in distant location: The landlord or property manager claims to reside far away from the apartment, often outside the United States. Pressure to complete transaction: You are being rushed or pressured into paying a fee, deposit or initial rent amount before you have had an opportunity to view the apartment. Circumstances hard to believe: There is an unusual set of circumstances that attempts to explain why the rent for an apartment is below market value or why the apartment cannot be viewed prior to being rented. No direct contact with landlord: The landlord or property manager is unwilling to meet you in person or speak with you over the telephone. Where to Report Online Fraud: If you witness or become a victim of online fraud, report the incident to local law enforcement authorities immediately. The following online resources should also be contacted: Internet Crime Complaint Center http://www.ic3.gov Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov Identity Theft If you believe that your personal financial information has been revealed to a person who might use it inappropriately, visit the FTC's identity theft website at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft for important information about protecting yourself. |
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