Consumers Beware – Avoid Real Estate Scams!

Consumers Beware

Avoid rental scams! Situations involving wire transfers or a landlord who is currently traveling and can’t meet you in person can be rental red flags

Consumers should also be aware of scams from people posing to be real estate agents or landlords. So if you’re looking to buy or rent make sure you take the proper precautions.

1. Always meet the agent or landlord in person and ask them for their ID including drivers license, and if they are an agent, ask for their real estate license. Make sure the person is the actual listing agent, owner or is authorized to show it. If they can’t or won’t meet you in person they may be a scammer.
2. Check their background. Use web search engines and other tools to verify their identity including name, phone number and email address. You want to make sure they are who they say they are.
3. Never give out your financial information until you verify whom you are dealing with.
4. Consider researching the property or properties in question via other sources and/or other agents to confirm it’s actually for sale or rent.
5. Beware of LOW priced homes for sale or rent. Be cautious of giving a cash deposit until you have verified with confidence that the party with whom you are dealing is legitimate.

Whether you’re a consumer or a real estate professional, please take the proper precautions when looking to buy, sell or rent any type of real estate. When in doubt, back out.