How do I avoid a scam on Apartments.com?
While Apartments.com works hard to ensure you have a safe and positive search experience, its important to always be aware of potential scam or fradulent listings.
The best way to ensure that a listing is legitimate is to verify the contact information of the landlord or property management company. Here are a few things you can keep an eye out for:
- The company's or landlord's name should be stated in the header, along with the address or name of the property.
- The listing page should also have a Contact this Property section on the right side of the page, with a phone number and leasing hours clearly labeled.
Common Red Flags
- Rent offered below market. Scammers know renters will be less cautious if they are motivated to close quickly on a good deal. Be wary of prices that are too good to be true.
- Request to wire money. Legitimate landlords never ask renters to transfer or wire money to any account, especially through services like Cash App or Venmo.
- Request to use another listing service or an escrow account. Scammers may impersonate legitimate listing services or request money through an escrow account to mislead renters into believing they are dealing with a legitimate entity.
- Dramatic stories or time-sensitive deals. A landlord who attempts to create a false sense of urgency or guilt you into closing a deal with a sob story may be trying to scam you. A legitimate landlord will meet with you and allow you to tour the property before requesting a deposit to secure the rental.
For additional information, insights, and tips, please visit Apartments.com: Avoid Scams and Fraud.