Beware: Scammers looking to rip-off local renters

  • Published
  • By John Reser
  • 2d Security Forces Squadron
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The process of renting a house has varying hassles including having to drive all around town looking for the right place. Recently, the convenience of searching online has become the norm in house hunting and allows us the freedom to search options at our leisure with no traveling, avoiding the hassle of meeting with would-be landlords and if we don't like the property we just click next.

Unfortunately, the convenience we have found in searching for rental property online makes it just as convenient for scammers who are looking to rip-off unsuspecting, trusting folks in our area. According to the Better Business Bureau, renters sometimes fall victim to Internet scams after responding to online classified ads. The source varies and most have disclaimers stating not to wire monies for items or services listed.

Victims report that potential landlords request deposits to be wired to overseas addresses prior to showing the home. As much as $1,400 has been solicited by scammers for deposits and wired to locations such as England or Africa.

Scammers find property online for sale by legitimate homeowners and copy the property photos to create their scam property. If the photos look great and too good to be true, then this is should be the first hint, and it usually means just that - it is too good to be true.

Renters should always look for red flags if a place looks too good to be true:
Very low listing prices - find out how comparable listings are priced, and if the rental comes in suspiciously low, walk away.
Deadbeat landlords - scammers usually claim job relocations or serving on a missionary; legitimate landlords have either contract real estate managers or someone local as a point of contact.
Requiring a substantial deposit beforehand - Do not pay any money before inspecting the home inside and out.
Wire transfers - The scammer may request money through wire transfer service because it's extremely difficult to retrieve once the scammer has picked it up. There is little recourse if any in getting your money back.

If considering a move off base, the Housing Assistance Program manager suggests the following:
See the housing office first. They are a one stop shop for resources to local area housing.
Don't pay any deposits upfront.
Read the leases - most problems members have is because they don't read their leases.
Bring lease to the housing office if you don't understand them or want us to review them.
Check the neighborhood or apartment complex out to make sure you have good neighbors. Visit it at night or on the weekend, too.
Contact the police or sheriff's office to see how crime is in the area.
Ensure the landlord tells the member that they have the military lease clause and it is written in the lease.
Check the area to make sure it isn't flood prone, flood insurance can be expensive.

If you fall victim to any type scam, report it immediately to 2d Security Forces Investigations, 456-2148, or Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 456-3881. Scammers are well versed in their art of thievery and even the most alert consumer can fall victim at one time or another. The sooner incidents are reported, the better the chances will be to recover any losses.