The City of Cortland Police Department has issued a warning to residents in the City of Cortland after they were made aware of several residents encountering rental scams in the area.
The overall goal of a rental scam is to take your money, and leave no intention of renting to prospective tenants. Most cases, scams involve the victim paying a security deposit or having them pay a “move-in fee” without seeing the apartment, and then keeping the money without any intention of renting the unit.
Signs that the property listing is a potential scam are:
- The landlord does not want to meet in person
- Want you to move in immediately without you seeing the property
- Asking for rent or security deposit before signing the lease
- The price is “Too Good to pass up”
- Poor grammar in the listing
- No tenting screening process (background check, references)
The best way to avoid being scammed on a property rental is to thoroughly review the listing by reviewing the signs listed above, meet the landlord in person and to see the actual property in person.
If the property is a scam, or you have been victimized by a rental scam, ensure you contact local authorities.
More information and tips can be found at the site Avail (Owned by Realtor.com) by clicking on the link HERE.
