Attorney General Warns of Rental Home Scams
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued a press release this week warning Arkansans to be aware of the growing popularity of rental scams across the state. As the rental market demand continues to increase these scams are growing in popularity as a way for ill intent individuals to collect money and personal information from consumers. Often, these scammers utilize existing online real estate listings and repost photos on sites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace with a rent price that seems appealing. Rutledge says most communication between the scammer and would-be renter takes place via text or email and that the consumers are asked to complete rental applications which ask for personal information. Upon a quick “approval” a security deposit is requested generally to be paid via a money transfer app before the renter has even seen the property.
In order to ensure a safe experience when looking for a rental property Rutledge recommends the following:
- Do an online search of the rental company advertised to identify if it is legitimate
- Cross search the listing on other real estate websites. Often times properties are listed across multiple service sites in order to reach more folks.
- Realize that if it seems too good to be true in terms of rental price….It probably is.
- Never pay with cash, via a money transfer app before validating the listing and seeing it for yourself.
If you think you have been a victim of a rental scam you are asked to call 800-482-8982.
