Please beware of a Rental Scam where the scammer posts actual, real for rent units online (specially in Facebook Groups), and even their actual open houses and then directs you to text or email the supposed “agent or manager in charge” in order to put a credit card or Zelle deposit to secure the unit. Usually the scammer posts the real apartments with unbelievable low prices, or they posts these units in groups for tenants with government vouchers or other unmonitored groups. The impostors may not even be in the United States but they pose as local agents, going to the extent of cloning their information, business cards and license numbers, personal photos, only changing the contact number or email of the agent. We never ask for rental deposits over the phone or online. Before you even think of putting a deposit in any rental:
1. Verify who the owner of the apartment is.
2. Verify who the actual listing agent of the unit is. Check who else is advertising it online.
3. Do not give any money unless you can meet this “agent” in person, in their office.
If this happens to you please fill a police report, notify your bank or credit card company. We have filed a police report but these scammers keep coming back under new profiles.