FBI warns of rental and real estate scams

BOSTON (WLNE) — The FBI Boston Division is warning of several rental and real estate scams taking place across the country.

In one scam, a scammer poising as a renter, will send a property owner a check more than the amount needed to secure the unit. The scammer then asks for the excess funds be refunded. The property owner will oblige only to find out the original check was counterfeit.

In another scam, a person will post a property for sale or for rent and when the victim inquiries about the property, the scammer will ask for a down payment when in fact they are not even the owner of the property.

“We have seen a significant increase in the amount of money being lost by people who are desperate for a good deal. Scammers are cashing in on renters who need to act quickly for fear of missing out, and it’s costing consumers thousands of dollars, and in some cases, leaving them stranded,” said Joseph Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division.

FBI investigators said there was more than 10,000 reported instances of scams last year in the amount of more than $350 million.

In Rhode Island, there was 42 reported cases totaling more than $1.4 million and 290 reported cases in Massachusetts costing nearly $9 million.

The FBI is offering the following tips to avoid being part of a scam:

• Do not wire funds to people you do not know.
• Do not put money towards a house or apartment you have not seen.
• Confirm the identity of the landlord by researching public records to find out who owns the property you are seeking to rent or purchase.
• Do not fill out applications online until you have met directly with the property manager.
• Know local rental prices.
• Look for online reviews, references, and testimonials from past inhabitants.
• Be wary if a potential tenant wants to rent property sight unseen.
• Be wary if a potential renter says they are out of town and will send you a cashiers’ check.
• Be wary if a potential landlord says he is out of the country and wants the rent sent to a foreign account.
• Do not accept overpayment for properties. If you receive a check for more than the specified amount, return it. Do not deposit it.