Be Scam Aware!

Looking for Rental Homes? Be Scam Aware!

Rental scams target people seeking affordable rentals. Before you rent, ask yourself:

• Does the rent seem low compared to similar units?
• Will the manager meet in person at the property to tour the inside and outside?
• Was I asked to send money before I sign a lease?

The Minnesota Attorney General’s office and HousingLink.org, an online source for affordable housing information, note that scammers often duplicate property listings, adding their own contact details. Potential renters then contact the scammer instead of the legitimate property manager. The scammer makes excuses about why they can’t meet in person and asks the renter to send money by wire transfer or through an online payment app such as Venmo.

When searching for a new rental:

1. Meet the owner or property manager in person at the rental unit.
2. Tour the inside and outside of the unit to make sure it is a good fit for you.
3. Review the lease terms before agreeing to rent or paying any money.

Report rental listing scams:

The Minnesota Attorney General’s office recommends that if you discover that a rental listing is fraudulent, you should report it to the website on which it was posted. In addition, to report an incident of online crime, you should contact your local police department, county attorney, and the federal criminal agencies listed on their website.

Learn more:

HousingLink.org provides information about common rental scams and lists legal resources for renters. Also read more on the Minnesota Attorney General’s office website.