TIPS TO AVOID RENTAL SCAMS

Below you will find some tips, from the Newport News Police Department's Economic Crimes Unit, to prevent you from becoming a victim of rental fraud.

The listing photos have a watermark or you can tell are “copied-and-pasted.” This is known as a “Clone scam.”
The listing details are vague.
They are eager for you to rent without seeing the property first.
They will make a deal without any background info.
They claim to be out of town, too sick, or out of the country and cannot meet you in person.
They claim to be renting on behalf of someone else. This is known as a “Middleman scam.”
The asking rent does not match rent in area. The price is too good to be true.
They want you to wire or mail money to them.

Meet the landlord or agent in person.
See the property in person.
Protect yourself; never pay with cash.
Have a written lease and read it before signing.
Do your research; verify the owner of the property.
Check reviews. Many renters will give negative feedback, but very few leave positive reviews.