Sharing three common property management scams and how to avoid them.
The unfortunate truth is that scams are everywhere these days. People online are always trying to take advantage of someone else. We have run into a few scams recently, so we’re here to address scams specifically related to property management and rentals. Here are a few common ones:
1. Fake listings and posts. When searching for a rental, you might come across a listing that seems too good to be true, especially on social media. If you find a rental that appears suspiciously cheaper than others with identical features, it’s likely a scam. To avoid falling victim to such scams, always do your due diligence. Reach out to companies with certified Google pages and websites, and call them to verify the listing’s accuracy. In most cases, they will confirm that it’s a scam.
“Scammers are becoming more creative, so be cautious.”
2. People offering to pay upfront and in bulk. If a person proposes paying several months’ rent in advance for a year-long lease, be cautious. Such requests raise suspicions, and additional research is needed to ensure legitimacy.
3. People who make excuses to avoid direct contact. For property owners vetting potential tenants, if a person insists on signing a lease without seeing the property, that is a red flag. Similarly, for prospective tenants trying to reach property owners, if the owner dodges direct contact and only communicates through messenger apps, exercise caution. Legitimate property owners will be open to direct communication.
Those are just a few scams and red flags to watch out for as you enter the rental world. Remember that scammers are becoming more creative, so if you encounter anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are more than happy to help verify the legitimacy of a listing and assist in any way we can. Your safety and security are important to us, so call or email us anytime. We look forward to hearing from you!
