Fake listings, imposter landlords: Scammers target NC renters
Scams targeting North Carolinians looking to rent a home are on the rise, state regulators warn.
Scammers are “creating fake listings, impersonating landlords or property owners, and stealing money from people trying to rent a home or apartment,” Attorney General Jeff Jackson and North Carolina Real Estate Commission Chair William Aceto said in a Monday announcement.
The schemes often rely on pressure tactics to rush consumers into making decisions without fully vetting a property. Fraudsters might use photos and details copied from properties that really exist, but that they do not own. They frequently list rentals at below-market prices to generate interest and avoid meeting in person.
In some cases, scammers might even have the property access code for tours and send legitimate-looking lease documents to would-be renters, making a fake listing more believable.
“They will also create a sense of urgency by saying multiple people are interested in the property or that the rental will not stay available for long, pressuring renters to quickly send deposits or other payments,” the joint announcement said.
Before sharing personal information or sending money to secure a property, regulators advise following these steps to stay safe:
- Use public property records to ensure the owner’s name matches that of the person advertising the rental.
- Always tour the property before sending money and ask specific information about the property that only legitimate owners would know.
- Be cautious of properties listed at very low prices compared to other rentals in your area.
- Carefully review lease documents before signing.
- Be wary of pressure from a property owner to act quickly.
Consumers can report a scam to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or filing a complaint online at ncdoj.gov/complaint.