Many homes advertised as rentals, are really not for rent, when looking through Craigslist and other online rental sources, makes sure you use common sense. If the deal is to good it probably is a scam.
Here are a few steps to protect yourself from con-artists:
- If you are asked to send a security deposit to another country OR out of the state the deal is likely a Scam
- If the rental agent requests money (security deposit/rent) but you have not completed a rental application, the deal is probably a Scam
- If a real estate agent will not give you the address of their office, the deal is likely a Scam
- If the homeowner is renting the property, confirm the identity of the homeowner in the appropriate county. Click here Mecklenburg County Owner, Cabarrus County Owner, Union County Owner
- If an agent is renting the home, ask them to show you their North Carolina Realtor Commission Card, NOT a business card. The card will have a license number on the front, type the number into the following site to confirm if the agent is licensed in North Carolina, Realtor Confirmation
- Always view the inside of the home before providing any money or filling out an application.
- Ask the person showing you the house to open ALL of the exterior doors from the outside, this ensures they have the keys to all of the doors. many scam artist will change the front door lock, but not bother with other doors in the house.
by James Smith
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