The convenience of an online rental list allows you to choose at any time, but there are some important things to note. Where there are lists and comments on the web, unfortunately there are usually scams.


The rental list is a popular target for scammers. Future tenants are accustomed to providing personal information when preparing to apply, expecting to be asked some questions, and ultimately expecting to hand over some money. Liars shouldn't scare you away from the Internet (and there are many offline). You just need to know how to guard against them and what to pay attention to.


Lease fraud warning sign


If this sounds too good and not true, it is almost certain. Look for advertising prices below other markets, waterscape commitments, a combination of full furniture and any other benefits to an impossible rate.


The landlord is abroad


This is an instant red flag. Although this may sometimes be true, it should be considered a suspect for security reasons. You are asked to surrender money before other things happen.


If you are required to pay a viewing fee, a property guarantee holding fee, or any other prepaid fee (usually in the form of an electronic transfer), stop immediately. This is not a standard practice and it is very suspicious. Someone gives you a lot of excuses to explain why you can't see the house. Like the landlord overseas, some things are impossible. You should be able to pass all the usual channels without hindrance.


The photos on the list are a bit wrong


They may be low quality images (blurred, pixelated or only one telephoto lens). They can be stock images or they can be obtained from other websites. If you think you have seen photos before, believe in your instincts and search for images on Google. Sometimes, the outdoor environment shown in the picture does not match the city advertised in the ad (the palm tree of the skyscraper should be there). look carefully.


The text in the image


If the text is superimposed on the image, or just the text itself (such as an email address), raise the red flag again. This is very unusual and very suspicious. The text in the ad may be clumsy and sounds unprofessional. Although agents are sometimes accused of exaggerating facts, they know how to describe a property well and have a certain writing style. A fake list looks and feels different.


Look for duplicates elsewhere


Cut and paste the contents of the list (including the address and any contact details) into the search engine. If this is a popular scam, you will probably find it elsewhere. It may be mentioned on a blog or amateur fraud monitoring website.


How to protect yourself from fraud


Organize property inspections


For these types of scams, property may actually exist, but it is owned by others. If you emphasize this, it may discourage scammers from pursuing you.


Keep a copy of all emails. If you need to provide these letters to the authorities, please keep all communications between you and the landlord or representative you are working with.


Conduct a comprehensive online survey of the property. Search for the name of the person or company involved. If they are not online (or appear to be in a hurry to piece together), you will confirm your suspicions and stop the conversation before the conversation progresses. Keep in mind that even beautiful, professional websites and profiles may be fake. Check the names of other review sites or similar activities.


If you are reviewing references or recommendations, please do so independently. Do not rely on the contact details provided by the owner, owner or representative. Use money and money to lay the foundation for yourself.


Do not agree to transfer. This is very risky. If you are doing online trading on a listed website, be sure to use the latest website security.

Never give money or information to someone you don't trust.


Believe in your instincts - safety is better than regretting. No landlord or agent can blame you for your due diligence.