As a property management company, we want to offer valuable guidance on avoiding scams in Facebook groups, marketplaces, and other online platforms. Always remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is
Here are the most prevalent home rental scams.
1. Scammers often claim to be the owners and landlords of a property. Often scammers take the photos, info, and addresses from post made by the actual owner/manager.
2. Scammers normally use CashApp, Paypal, Venmo, etc. They will request money for security deposits before allowing you to view the property. If someone is asking for money but will not let you see the property IN PERSON, it is most likely a SCAM! They may even send you a lease agreement! Be careful and do your research. If they have multiple phone numbers or have a limited social media profile it may be fake. Cross reference contact info to be sure it is correct. You can always message us and we can verify information.
3. Scammers often communicate by email only or have strange area codes/phone numbers. They often will post on social media post with things like, “PM me or say they have private owner properties” in the social media comments. They may also try to post 3rd party link to websites with fake listings.
4. If the listing has very low rent, poor grammar, extra punctuation, or typos it is most likely a SCAM.
5. REMEMBER: If it seems too good to be true, it most likely is!! Scammers want to rush the process. No matter how bad you want the home try to do you research to protect yourself.
6. BE CAUTIOUS giving out your personal information to unverified people.
7. If they claim to be a real estate agent or real estate company, you can verify their name and info at: https://arec.arkansas.gov.
Leave a Reply