Summer holidays are around the corner, which unfortunately means scammers have a reason to exploit the vacation rental rush. But don’t worry, with the right information you can outsmart scammers and focus on making memories.
How can I spot a rental scam?
Rental scams can be difficult to spot at first glance. The more carefully you read the listing, the better you’ll be able to identify the scam. Here are some key factors to watch out for:
Unrealistically low prices
A property is offering to rent out a grand space in a good location or a dirt-cheap rental car, especially compared to other similar listings. Artificially low offers are a common attempt to get your attention.
What really stands out about their listing is that it is often offered at an incredibly affordable price. It’s substantially cheaper than comparable properties in the area, which may not seem entirely unreasonable if you’re in a competitive market. The pictures look great and the listing might even include an image of the floor plan to give you a better sense of what the home is like.
The listing will often offer every amenity that you’ve been searching for. New hardwood floors? Check. Quartz counter tops? Check. A beautiful house with a spacious yard and the landlord handles mowing and snow removal? Check. Or perhaps high-rise apartment building in the heart of downtown that even has a rooftop pool? Check and check.
Pay first, see later
You approach a lister to see more of the property, but they ask you to make an upfront payment. Legitimate landlords won’t pressure you to pay immediately or send a money transfer to get more details.
Unprofessional listings
You come across a listing but it does not include all the details, plus the responses you get from the lister is generic. Beware of such listings, they are an attempt to scam.
Legitimate landlords will usually want to know your credit score or do a criminal background check and employment verification. If a landlord doesn’t seem interested in any form of tenant screening or appears too eager to negotiate the rent and other lease terms with you, think twice.
Scam artists also target travelers researching vacation rentals, students looking for off-campus housing or even service members who frequently relocate.
Tips to #BeFraudSmart and to avoid rental scams:
- Research: Before you book a property, check and verify all the information that you can find through online search. Search public records and consider requesting a video call to see the interior of the property. Don’t hesitate to ask the owner to verify identity and property details.
- Visit: It’s best to visit a property you’re going to rent in-person. Only after you are sure of it, confirm or make a payment.
- Use Verified websites: When renting, use established rental platforms that offer user reviews and have secure payment systems. If the listing is suspicious or too good to be true, don’t approach and report if possible.
- Take your time: Only make payment after carefully checking the details and information. If a lister is using high-pressure tactics to push you to make a quick decision, do not give in. Take your time and DO NOT send money through untrusted methods.
Lastly, if a scammer is asking you to make a payment using Western Union, report it online and we will ensure to take the necessary steps to stop it.
All in all, always stay vigilant when looking for rental options on the internet. Remember these tips so we can be smarter, safer together.
Whatever situation you’re in, keep these tips in mind:
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Never pay for a property you found on a classified posting using a money transfer.
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Avoid any listing that pressures you or requires you to act immediately.
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Watch for poorly written correspondence or advertisements that contain misspellings, improper use of language or unusual formatting.
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Never provide personal identifying information to an unknown individual or entity, especially to persons who respond solely through email.
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Never send a money transfer to someone you haven’t met in person.
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If you are moving to a new city and must rent sight unseen, send a friend or colleague to visit the rental property for you before sending any money.
More information on scams and how to protect yourself is available at the Western Union Consumer Protection Center.
Learn more about preventing fraud: How to assist seniors in fighting fraud
