Avoiding Scammers

Lately, with everyone being told to stay home and “social distance” we have noticed a very sharp increase in scam listings being posted all over the internet, especially Craigslist.

Unfortunately, we have even had someone pay lots of money and many give personal information out, under the impression that the “owner” is leaving the management company.

Barrons Property Managers has taken the initiative to regularly check for any scam “listings”, posting notices on our properties, and flagging any numbers / names that are reported to us as being a scam.

But you need to make sure you are further protected, so here are some tips and things to keep in mind

  • Drive by the property and check for a professional sign in the yard. Management companies will not keep signs in the yard for a property that they no longer manage.
  • If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. A house that is listed for $700 a month on craigslist but seems it should be higher, is a good sign you are seeing a fake listing.
  • If they say “I’ll meet you at the property for a viewing” and then never show up and say there’s a box there, you are being baited into getting the key for them.
  • If there is a lock box on the property, but they say to leave the key in the mail box, or somewhere else, they want you to do the dirty work for them so they can scam other people too.
  • If they say “just cash app me the money” or something that sounds weird for a landlord to request money through, please do not send them anything.

If you suspect you are being scammed, do your research and see if you can find any listing on Zillow, rent.com, Trulia, or any other official website that may list a different contact. Scammer do not pay for anything, they only take money.

If you find that you have been scammed, given information like a social security number or credit card number, file a police report with the local authorities and give them any and all information you have on the scammer.

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