Couples ripped off by one of the scams I have written about before.
There is an adage in the film industry that says, everything that is going to be written has been written. The best we can do is re-write the story in a new way.
Scammers do the same thing, they take an old scam and give it a few tweaks. That is what happened in the following story. It is also why I still refer to it. You can learn from what was done before and recognize it when you see it.
The Return of the Scam
Today is Tuesday, August 16, 2016, I wrote about this scam more than a year ago. It has happened again this time in New Jersey. And according to the news, the number of people ripped off is growing.
As a service to you and the people, you will share this with; I am giving you a refresher on this scam and others.
The Rental Scam
This scam is the one where someone claiming to be the owner or tenant states that the house or apartment is for rent when in fact it is not. I have found that there are a few reasons that make this scam possible
- People don’t want to pay a broker’s fees
- The Internet has assured them that they are as good as an agent in spotting scams.
- The belief is that renting an apartment is easy, anyone can do it.
Long story short, you do your version of due diligence. You decide to move forward with the deal. Lo and behold, you and several other couples show up on the same day to move into “your new” home.
The problem is the keys don’t work or maybe they do. So do the keys the other couples have. Worse yet the real owner shows up informing everyone that the place is not for rent. Conclusion; you all have been taken. This is what happened in New Jersey.
Modified Version
The rental scam used in New Jersey is a modified version of the scam I wrote about over a year ago. In that scam, the rental was a full house. The scammers posed as a couple. The showing of the home was on certain days at specific times. They always had an excuse not to show the house on any other day or time. And they insisted on a cash down payment. Because they did not ask for the rent in full everyone felt comfortable with paying the downpayment.
One of the people swindled would later state that he felt something was wrong but ignored it. The thing that set off his concern was the inability to see the house at any other time or day.
*Note: People tend to relax their guard when dealing with a couple. Ask yourself in which of these are you more relaxed.
- Dealing with a couple?
- Meeting with a single person?
The answer to that one question will show if you have a vulnerability that a scammer can exploit. The correct answer is “My guard is always up.”
The Point of No Return
All scams have a point of no return. This is where the con artist relies on you to make a critical error. Most times it’s something simple that you would just ignore. Like not seeing the property at different times or days.
Examples of red flags
- The “owner” requests cash only.
- Showing the location at a particular time and day with no deviation.
- They request that you leave a deposit for the keys. Supposedly, so you can see the place for yourself at your leisure. AKA Cash for Keys (Do not confuse this with the legitimate Cash For Keys method that banks use in foreclosure).
- You never meet the “owner” in the property. Instead, you are always met outside then going in.
- No lease is offered. This is rare but it happens.
Stripping
Another scam is a technique known as stripping. In the case I have linked to, someone copied one of my ads and claimed it for their own. Stripping –not the good kind– is a 3 part article taking you from the moment that the scam began until its final resolution. I suggest you read all three parts. It’s easy reading and the information may save you heartache.
Craig’s List
Craig’s List does not screen rental postings to verify ownership. Anyone claiming to be an owner can post an ad. As long the person posting the ads doesn’t violate state advertising rules there would be no flags on the ad. You would think by now no one would seek out real estate on Craig’s List.
It’s Up To You
As my fiancé has said to me time and again, “Do you really think someone is going to listen to you just because you want them to”?
Guess not. But if you’re tired of being taken for a ride read the articles I have linked to. They may save you much grief.
Search Wisely
If you must venture out on your own, use websites that verify owners and agents. Two sites that I use are Trulia and Zillow. Sites like these make the effort to verify listings. If there is a problem with an ad their support team will work with you to resolve it.
Website Disclaimer
The mention of Zillow or Trulia is not an endorsement. There are other websites that offer rental services. You are advised to perform your due diligence in choosing a real estate website. Until next time search carefully.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and nothing stated here is legal advice. This article applies to the five boroughs of New York. All information is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Always check the real estate laws in your part of the country.
Comments, Questions, Suggestions?
Was this article helpful? Did you learn anything new? I would like to hear your comments on this and any other article on this site. Take a moment, and leave a comment or suggestion. Let’s start a conversation today.
Share This Post
