4 years ago
Beware of Online Fraud and Scams
Beware of Online Fraud and Scams
Although indications are that most renters and home-seekers find use of online resources (including websites and email) for homes and apartments a significant convenience and asset, we also sometimes hear about suspicious or abusive practices by some seeking to take advantage of online users, websites, email, media and companies. Please read this Alert and use caution if you encounter anything that seems too good to be true or otherwise unusual or suspicious.
NOTE: Move does not participate in specific rental or housing transactions. If someone has told you otherwise, please use caution since this might well be a sign of a scam. For example, Move does not hold or deliver keys to apartments or homes, does not offer payment protection, does not certify apartments, complexes or homes, does not verify or certify that persons you are dealing with are legitimate, does not offer to hold deposits, earnest money, down-payments or other funds, does not offer escrow services and does not offer assurances or other guarantees regarding particular apartments, homes or related transactions. If you are dealing with someone in another country or city, or looking to buy or rent an apartment, condo or house in another country or city, be particularly aware of concerns like those referred to above (and in this Alert) since the other person might be trying to take advantage of you by exploiting the practical problems and inconveniences of geographic distance.
Transaction Safety Guidance
If something sounds suspicious, out of the ordinary, too easy or too good to be true, use caution because it might be a potential problem looking for a victim.
Does the rent seem surprisingly low? A check on similar housing or apartments in the same complex or neighborhood should help you determine what amount of rent is usual or to be expected. If the rent you are quoted is significantly less, you should use caution. It is possible there is a legitimate explanation, but surprisingly low rent can be a red flag for potential trouble be prepared to just say no to suspicious circumstances.
Know who you're dealing with online, including by email and websites.
It can be helpful, and serve to un-earth potential problems, to meet your prospective landlord, property manager or other transaction participant in person before renting or purchasing an apartment or home and before sending money or agreeing to send money. Dealing locally and in person with the other party to a transaction can help avoid many scams. For personal safety and other reasons, consider having one or more friends or companions accompany you, and be sure the meeting location is safe.
Beware of Geographic Distance.
If you are dealing with someone in another country or city, or looking to rent or buy in another country or city, be particularly aware of concerns like those referred to in this Alert since the other person might be trying to take advantage of you by exploiting the practical problems and inconveniences of geographic distance.
Avoid unusual forms of payment, or being rushed.
It can be risky to use a wire transfer service (such as Western Union or MoneyGram) or online escrow service to send a deposit, earnest money, down-payment, rent or other money relating to a rental or housing transaction. Use great caution if someone suggests you should send money in this way. Also be wary of being rushed into a decision to rent or buy an apartment or other housing, or to send a deposit, earnest money, down-payment, rent or other money. These are significant decisions, transactions and payments; if someone is rushing you, that could be a signal of a potential fraud or a scam.
Avoid renting or buying an apartment or other housing without actually seeing it first.
Before sending a deposit, earnest money, down-payment, rent or other money, you probably should visit and see the property first and confirm that everything about the property matches what was advertised, described or represented to you.