1) youโ€™re having trouble contacting the landlord or leasing agent.

Search online for the rentalโ€™s address, plus the name of the property owner or rental company listed.

This means knowing how to spot and avoid rental scams, especially online.

If the landlord insists you pay a fee or deposit before they show you the place, keep looking.

The ic3, or internet crime complaint center, is a government agency that makes it easy for individuals to report a crime that takes place online.

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Need more space than an apartment, condo or townhouse can offer, but not ready to buy?

Check out the rental company.

Maybe with a different owner or rental company name?

A guide to recognizing and avoiding rental scams.

No one wants to learn that the rental they were touring was a scam.

Check out the apartment yourself (or send a trusted friend) to make sure it is whatโ€™s been advertised.

Quick tips to avoid rental scams when youโ€™re searching for a rental.

Read documents carefully, and donโ€™t transfer any money until youโ€™re confident in the landlord or broker.

We prepared an ultimate list of tips that will teach you how to spot a rental scammer while looking for a perfect place, and weโ€™re ready to make a real homegrown renting expert out of you.

How to avoid rental scams:

Learn how to spot a rental scam and safely search for your next property.

Those are signs of a scam.

Do other ads come up for the same address?

10 red flags to look out for.

Phone numbers alone can be spoofed, so corroborate authenticity with supplemental info.

File a complaint with the ic3 :

Search their website to see if the property is listed there, too.

As a renter, itโ€™s important to know how to protect yourself against those who may try to take your money fraudulently.

Make sure to report.

Thatโ€™s most likely a scammer.

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Rental scams can be daunting but don't swear off real estate websites just yet.

Dealing in cash is a bad start

When possible, meet in person.

6 common rental scams and tips for avoiding them.

Check ownership and licensing of landlord/property manager.

But using trusted sites and knowing the red flags before signing a lease can help you avoid being a victim of a rental scam.

Here are a few tips on how to catch a rental scammer and stop them from ripping anyone else off by reporting rental scams:

Always make sure to see the inside of the property.