Greg's Corner

Online home rental scams still persist

By Greg Collier

In the quest for a new home, the excitement of finding the perfect place can sometimes blind us to potential dangers lurking beneath the surface. One Huntsville, Alabama, family, like many others, found themselves in a predicament that serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of rental scams in today’s digital age.

Their story began with hope and anticipation as they stumbled upon a promising listing for a spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in a desirable neighborhood. With ample space for her family and their beloved dogs, it seemed like fate had led them to their dream home. Little did they know, this seemingly perfect opportunity would soon turn into a nightmare.

Upon contacting the supposed landlord via Facebook Marketplace, the family was met with prompt responses and arrangements for a tour of the property. Despite initial red flags, such as the absence of the landlord during the tour and instructions to access the property through an electronic lockbox, they proceeded with unwavering trust.

Throughout the process, the purported landlord remained courteous and accommodating, alleviating any doubts the family may have harbored. With the presentation of an electronic application, approval, and a virtual lease agreement, everything appeared legitimate. Even the method of payment, a combination of Cash App and Walmart Money transfer, seemed routine, mirroring the family’s current dealings with their legitimate landlord.

It wasn’t until the family’s prudent decision to verify the authenticity of the listing online that the harsh reality of the situation came crashing down. Multiple listings of the same property on reputable platforms, all managed by a professional property management company, exposed the elaborate ruse orchestrated by scammers. The family was devastated when they realized the extent of the deception and the loss of their hard-earned money, $1,125 was gone in an instant.

To prevent falling victim to rental scams, it’s crucial to exercise caution and employ protective measures. Cross-reference information provided by landlords with reputable real estate platforms and property management companies.

Exercise caution if landlords refuse to meet in person or request unusual payment methods. Just because your current landlord accepts payment through an app doesn’t imply that every user of that app is reliable. Payment apps like Cash App are intended for transactions among people you already have personal connections with.

If something feels off, don’t ignore your intuition. Take the time to investigate further before committing to any agreements or payments. And By reporting scams to the appropriate authorities, you not only protect yourself, but also contribute to the prevention of future fraudulent activities.