WASHINGTON, D.C. — As peak moving season continues, the Federal Trade Commission is warning renters to be cautious when searching for new apartments or houses online. While websites and apps make the process convenient, experts say they’ve also created new opportunities for scams.

According to the FTC, fraudulent rental listings often advertise properties that don’t exist or aren’t actually available. Scammers lure would-be tenants with appealing prices and desirable locations, then push for upfront payments before renters realize the offer was fake. Officials advise seeing a property in person when possible and researching landlords or companies online with search terms like “review” or “scam.”

Payment demands are another red flag. The FTC warned against wiring money, sending gift cards, making cryptocurrency payments, or using transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram. The methods are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover if fraud occurs. Instead, renters should use secure, trackable payment options once they’ve verified a lease is legitimate.

The FTC also said to watch out for hidden fees. Some listings bury mandatory charges in fine print, links, or footnotes. Renters should ask sales agents to confirm, in writing, all costs beyond the advertised rent, from monthly services to optional add-ons.

Consumers who suspect they’ve encountered a rental scam are urged to report it.

  • Global scholars won’t consider Cleveland as possible convention host over Ohio LGBTQ, immigration laws
  • Pop-punk guitarist battles cancer on tour: ‘It’s scary, it sucks’
  • Starbucks quietly tests refreshing new drinks in 400 stores
  • Grammy winner accused of charging police in just underwear, cowboy boots
  • Young Hollywood power couple just extended their family

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Source link