On real estate

Unlike the property resale market, the rental market for property listings should be approached like the wild, wild, west of cyberspace – filled with outlaws and bank account robbers.

If you are moving to a new city or planning a vacation rental this summer, when browsing listings for rent always be on the lookout for potential scams. Scammers often advertise rentals that don’t exist or aren’t available to trick people into sending money before they find out the truth.

How rental scams work

Scammers know that finding the right apartment or vacation rental can be hard work, and a seemingly good deal is hard to pass up. They’ve been known to game some vacation rental websites and bulletin boards. Some scammers hijack a real rental or real estate listing by changing the email address or other contact information, and placing the modified ad on another site.

I have had my listings hijacked and posted on Craigslist!

The altered ad may even use the name of the person who posted the original ad. In other cases, scammers have hijacked the email accounts of property owners on reputable vacation rental websites.

Other rip-off artists make up listings for places that aren’t for rent or don’t exist, and try to lure you in with the promise of low rent or great amenities. Their goal is to get your money before you find out. Don’t be hoodwinked by the promise of something too good to be true.

Telltale sign of a scam

The surest sign of a scam is when they tell you to wire money. There is never a good reason to wire money to pay a security deposit, application fee, first month’s rent, or vacation rental fee, even if they send you a contract first. Wiring money is the same as sending cash-- once you send it, you have no way to get it back.

Also beware if they want a security deposit or first month’s rent before you’ve met or signed a lease. It is never a good idea to send money to someone you have never met in person for an apartment you have not seen. If you can’t visit an apartment or house yourself, ask someone you trust to go and confirm that it is for rent, and that it is as advertised. Try to verify who owns the property.

Don’t believe it when they say they are out of the country but they have a plan to get the keys into your hands. It might involve a lawyer or “agent” working on their behalf. Do not send money overseas. Paying with a credit card or through a reputable vacation rental website with its own payment system are your safest bets for off shore rentals.

If you find yourself the target of a rental scam, report it to your local law enforcement agency and to the FTC. Contact the website where the ad was posted. Be rental wise and enjoy the summer!

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora (626) 926-9700 adrianad@podley.com