Adulthood is scary, especially if you are just about to enter that stage in your life. There are tons of responsibilities and duties you have to fulfill. Your mom wouldn’t be right by your side this time to look out for you. You have to make decisions on your own and face their consequences, whether good or bad. At this age, it is getting more and more difficult to find a good and affordable spot.
The best way to save money while still being open to options is by renting an apartment or house. Buying a house will make moving difficult, so if you change career paths, it would be such a hassle. Unfortunately, rental scams have become more prevalent these days. This article will give you a short list of red flags to know how to catch a rental scammer.
Red flags to look out for
- If it’s too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
Let’s be honest, who would offer something that benefits the receiver more than the giver in this era? You may have heard of many very promising deals, especially on one but be careful. You see a post about a house or apartment for rent that only costs 900 dollars. The place looks perfect in the pictures and videos. You may think that it is perfect but do not be swayed easily. Renting a place online will save you a lot of time and effort but it can be risky.
If you find a place online, communicate online and they offer to make a transaction online, do not take it. Never send money or sign deals if you haven’t met them in person and checked the place. Some scammers may tell you to send the money, and they’ll just mail the key to you; never believe that. If it is too good to be true, whether you see it online or in person, it is too good to be true.
- No documents
There may be people who offer you a good place and be very accommodating. They may not ask you to sign any papers and just tell you to promise to pay by the end of the month. Do not be fooled; they are not nice; they just want to get your trust. Always remember that every property you buy or rent requires contracts and legal documents. If there is no lease, then immediately drop it.
Never agree to verbal agreements because this is one of the ways scam artists scam their targets. They may say, “I don’t have it right now. I promise I’ll send them to you next week.” or “I don’t need a lease. I have trust in you.” these are red flags. Do not agree with the deal no matter what excuse they give you for why they can’t present one.
- They want you to sign the papers first.
This is a huge red flag if they want you to sign any document before showing you the place. Do not sign anything, no matter what they promise or what excuse they give you, or why they cannot show you the place. Do not be hasty in making decisions, especially involving legal documents. Make sure that you meet the agents first and see the place.
- They want the money ASAP.
If the ones you are talking to keep bringing up the rent you must pay or constantly ask when you can pay, watch out. This is one of the most common things scammers do. A technique they often use is they tell you that there are other tenants who are more interested and ready to pay than you are. They usually make those things up because they have tenants more interested in renting the place. They will directly tell you about it instead of bringing up the rent cost.
