How to Avoid Craigslist Apartment Rental Scams
There are a few steps to avoid apartment rental scams. (Photo by Bruno J. Navarro)
NEW YORK — In the eternal quest to find the best apartment deal in New York, some would-be renters are falling for brazen scams.
Never mind the unscrupulous licensed types who might attempt bait-and-switch tactics to make a quick buck. One increasingly common flim-flam involves con artists posting Craigslist ads for vacant apartments they neither own, nor have the authority to rent.
Real estate professionals “across the region say they’re seeing more people fall for it, partly because the scammers are no longer just luring victims from afar; they’re now setting up appointments with unsuspecting renters and showing them the homes before disappearing with their money,” according to a LoHud.com story.
In a New York Daily News article, one criminal in Queens swindled “a dozen would-be renters by placing a phony ad on Craigslist for an apartment in Sunnyside that didn’t belong to him.”
While I’ve previously shared a few tips on how to spot and avoid apartment scams, which are worth a look, here are a couple more that helpful readers have passed along:
- Ask for a business card. Any reputable real estate agent will have a real business card. If you have time, check out the website and see if the agent is listed on it, or call the main number. Of course, sometimes it’s possible that we’re out of cards. If that’s the case, you can ask for the next item.
- Ask to see the agent’s pocket card. By law, every agent in New York is supposed to carry a state-issued ID card while working. It looks much like a driver’s license, and it lists the agent’s name and company. Many doorman buildings require both a business card and a pocket card before an agent is allowed to show an apartment. Not having a card could be a tip-off that something is askew.
- Meet the agent at his or her office. At least the first time, it might be a good idea to see where an agent works. This works not only to avoid rip-off artists but also to get a sense of the company’s professionalism (and whether you can file a formal complaint if something does go terribly awry).
- Don’t deal in cash. Without a record of payment or a way to track your hard-earned money once it leaves your hands, it might be difficult to track down a swindler after the fact. Insist on using a credit card or cashier’s check for the deposit and application fee. If the person trying to rent you an apartment balks, take a walk.
- Use common sense. If an apartment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Truth is, there are very few four-bedroom apartments under $400 or even 90-square-foot studios for $700 around.
If you have any questions about whether something seems fishy, please ask me or someone knowledgeable. I’m always happy to help. And if you have any suggestions of your own or experiences to share, please feel free to share in the comments below.
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My experiences trying to rent out a place in the BK: lost out to “more money” (luckily no money changed hands); went through an exhaustive–personal–application process only to be approved and then “bait and switch” ‘ed into an apartment 1/3 the size of the apartment I had seen originally (if I hadn’t paid for the place with a cashier’s check I was able to cancel, I would’ve been out 2500); found a great place and placed a deposit on it immediately (in cash…), only to be contacted two days later to find out landlord had rented out from under the agent (luckily the guy as legit!)
Trying to live in the most incredible place on the planet, is not for the faint of heart!
I think BK needs to come correct with what’s really there: a perfect example of NYC’s tiered structure. If you can’t afford $2500 (minimum) don’t even try for Brooklyn. Head to Queens or the BX.
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2012.03.20 at 13:56
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2012.05.01 at 16:13
This guy is out of the country and I cannot get the keys until I transfer the first month a security deposit to him. He says he’s a geologist in the philipines and on the phone he sounds philipino, he also has no agent and says he is trying to find renters himself. The apartment sounds amazing and the 6-7 months he says he’ll be away is perfect for my situation. I want to know how I can avoid loosing all my cash if they try and screw me over the keys, any suggestions? Thanks in advance – Maxwell
Maxwell
2012.11.26 at 11:12
Hi Maxwell, Thank you so much for your note. The details of this transaction sound exactly like a scam, word for word. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Please, please, please don’t fall for it.
Bruno J. Navarro
2012.11.26 at 11:23
Halfway into my lease, and the management company of the BK row house is switching. Now I’m being asked to make out and mail my rent checks to a different company and address, which is different from what is on the lease. Any thoughts about this one?
D.
2013.01.07 at 11:36
Hi D., Thank you for your question. Generally, most leases will have a clause that allow the lease to be assigned to a new party. It’s not uncommon for apartment buildings to change ownership, with the new owner assuming the existing leases on the property. They generally cannot change the terms of the lease until it expires, however.
Bruno J. Navarro
2013.01.07 at 13:32
Thanks! It is comforting to know that it is not uncommon. As notice I only received a phone call from my previous manager, then another from my new manager. I feel that I should request written notice.
D.
2013.01.09 at 13:48
My pleasure!
I would add that it could be a good idea to request the notice in writing, or at least via e-mail, so that you have a record of where your payment is meant to go.
Good luck!
Bruno J. Navarro
2013.01.09 at 14:06
Here is an email I recieved in resp I nse to an inquiry I made about a Brooklyn apartment I saw listed on Craigslist. I recieved two nearly identical responses for two different inquiries I made about two different apartment s in the same neighborhood. Please tell me if this is a scam.
Hello, I and my darling wife is very happy to inform you that the apartment is still very much available for rent, my intentions and plans is to give out the apartment to a Reliable and Responsible person that would be able to take proper care of the lovely home. It’s an elevator building. It’s indeed a lovely and comfortable home and available to move in as soon as possible, I pray that May the Peace of the almighty Lord be with you for considering my home. Fees needed to move in:Monthly Rent: $780 (Including Utilities)Security / Deposit: $500.1 Bedroom1 BathCentral Air Conditioning APARTMENT FEATURES:Spacious 1 bedroomFlooded with natural lightHardwood floorsKitchen with new appliancesBrand New Cabinets, Electric Cooker & RefrigeratorHeat and Hot waterInternet Access and Cable TV ReadyHigh Speed Internet Access I would like you to know that I am giving out this lovely apartment to you because I have just been assigned by the US Government to lead a Special Force on Counter Terrorism in west Africa, and I am right now in Africa. My duty is at the international airport here in Africa to search and checkmate any one coming to the United States of America so as to avoid another terrorist attack. My appointment will be for about 5 years. I would like you to fill the below details: ============================================================================================================================================================= RENT APPLICATION FORM FIRST NAME:_________MIDDLE NAME:_________________LAST NAME:__________________SEX:AGE:_____MARITAL STATUS:_____________KIDS___ (YES/NO), HOW MANY:________PRESENT ADDRESS:_______WHY ARE YOU LOOKING TO MOVE?___________HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING?_______WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN?________WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU DO:________________HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN STEADILY EMPLOYED FOR:______________WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL WEEK DAY IS LIKE?:__________PHONE:_________(CELL)PHONE:_________(WORK)PHONE:__________(HOME)_________________HOW LONG?_______IF YOU HAVE A PET?_____-DO YOU SMOKE?______________DO YOU DRINK?_________DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT?____HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT TO ME:___HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE: ______________ ============================================================================================================================================================= I will need this information because my family and I won?t be moving back to the apartment whenever we’re back, there is no Registration fee. The Security Deposit would be needed as a Security Bond in order for the keys and paperwork along side with Lease Contract agreement to be sent to you… Electric Bills and water bills have been paid for, so I would also need to send the receipts to you, in case it would be needed. I would like you to know that you are free to contact me at any time. After I receive these details, I would get back to you soonest and then let you know my terms. I hope to hear from you soonest. God Bless You, Mr. Jones & Mrs. Nelly Peterson.CELL PHONE #: +234-708-146-8931. (011-234-708-146-8931).— On Tue, 3/19/13, Asaru Khem wrote:From: Asaru Khem Subject: Inquiry about Apartment for rentTo: jonespeterson644@yahoo.comDate: Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 10:54 AMHello! I’m Travis Maynard. I’m interested in the apartment you listed on Craigslist.The apartment is beautiful. I have a few questions. Where is the apartment located? What requirements need to met to be able to move in by April?http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/abo/3691119015.html
Asaru Travis Maynard
2013.03.19 at 16:26
Thanks for your note, Travis. That certainly seems like a suspicious listing (it was removed from craigslist). Did you call the number? There isn’t very much for rent in Brooklyn for that price, either, unless it’s a share. Good luck!
Bruno J. Navarro
2013.03.19 at 16:33