Rental Scams: Renter Beware

The Internet has become the primary place for people to find housing and apartments to rent. Naturally, with all those consumers come a slew of frauds and scams designed to ring money from unsuspecting victims. Some tips to keep in mind if you're looking for a rental property online.

Make sure to get them on the phone

Internet and email are fast, efficient ways of making initial contact with potential roommates or landlords. But it's not a substitute for traditional contact ? talking on the phone. Have them call you so you have a caller ID record of the number they're using.

Never give out personal info over email or phone

This is advisable in any scenario. You shouldn't do business with anyone requesting personal financial info, like a credit card number, through email or over the phone.

NO wiring of money - ever!

If you correspond with someone who mentions wiring money, cut off the dialogue. Craigslist says it best with their warning: offers involving money wiring are scams, plain and simple.

Verify who you're dealing with

One major scam technique is using services like Craigslist to post properties for rent ? even though the poster doesn't own the property. In many cases, they don't even live in that state. Look for information on the web for any property you're considering. Many homes, condos, and apartments have MLS numbers or other online information available. If the person you're talking to isn't listed anywhere in relation to the property, move on. Try to visit the place personally or have a friend go in your place to verify everything checks out.

Find info on the management company

If the property is run by a management company, call them and verify whether the person you're dealing with actually owns the property. Your state or county should have information regarding property management companies, and their contact info, posted in the building lobby or on the local government website.