A homeowner was almost the victim of a rental scam. She had listed the home in Yucca Valley for sale, then saw that her home was also being listed online as a home for rent. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers the following tips to help you avoid being the victim of a rental scam…
If you are looking for a home to rent, you can reduce your chances of being scammed in the rental market by verifying the identity of the person you’re dealing with. Renters should confirm the identity of the home owner on the county’s property tax assessor’s website. If the rent is lower than the prevailing rent in the area, chances are it’s a scam. Never rent a home without being able to go inside—with a key—to look around. If the “owner” or “landlord” insists that you wire money for the deposit or for the first and last month’s rent, chances are it’s a scam. If you find you’ve been scammed, report it to the Sheriff’s Department and to the Federal Trade Commission. Contact the website where you saw the rental ad, too.
YUCCA VALLEY WOMAN NEARLY FALLS PREY TO A RENTAL SCAM
