HOUSTON — Home prices have reached record highs in 2021. It has many looking for rental homes, but with that market also red hot, it’s so easy to fall for a rental scam.
Amy Hairs is a minister at a small church and is looking for a rental home. She thought her prayers were answered when she found a great home on Craigslist.
"This beautiful four-bedroom, three-bath home, $1100 a month," Hairs told Don’t Waste Your Money.
Just to be sure, she drove by to have a look. When she went there it was exactly like the pictures, so she texted the landlord who said it was still available.
“He told me I would have to pay a $1,200 security deposit as well as the first month’s rent,” Hairs said. However, it was his next request that stopped her in her tracks.
"He wanted our social and a copy of our driver’s license,” she said. “I told him I was not comfortable giving that information."
Good thing, too! It turned out to be a rental scam.
The house was really for sale, not for rent. Luckily, Hairs stopped right there before giving out her social security number or sending any money.
Other people, though, have not been so fortunate.
Stephanie Hollander was trying to sell her home two years ago when scammers reposted her listing and started taking money from people.
"We were contacted a week ago by a woman. She said she had rented our home,” Hollander said.
The Federal Trade Commission has this advice, so it won’t happen to you. They say be suspicious if:
- The landlord wants a deposit before you have met.
- You can't go inside the home.
- They ask for a deposit via Venmo, Zelle or gift card.
Finally, if the landlord or his agent won’t meet you in person, tell him the deal is off that way you don't waste your money.