The following Dos and Don’ts offer protection from scams targeting property owners. Learn more at USA.gov.
DON’T
DO
✓ Run an AAOA credit check ✓ Check evictions ✓ Check tax liens ✓ Check small claims judgments ✓ Call at least 2 previous landlords or order a landlord verification ✓ Call their current employer or order an employment verification ✓ Make sure the paystub is accurate by calling their employer, reviewing their tax returns, or requesting a bank statement showing the deposit ✓ Verify the Social Security Number, if provided ✓ Ensure the name on their ID matches the name on all their documents ✓ Google search their name and email and see if others have flagged them as a scammer ✓ Use Google image search to see if an imposter is using your property in any unauthorized listings as part of a scam
× Do not accept overpayment for rent × Do not deposit a check that’s for more
than the specified amount × Do not rent sight unseen
What to do if you’ve been scammed If you feel that you’re the victim of a renter’s scam involving the internet, report it to the FBI and contact your state attorney general’s office. The office will explain your legal rights as a landlord. Also ask how to file a complaint against a renter or potential renter. × Do not accept a cashier’s check if the tenant says they are out of the country × Do not accept unexplained urgency to rent the property As a part of your anti-fraud prevention, the American Apartment Owners Association makes it simple to do tenant credit checks as well as eviction, criminal and federal background reports. Contact us today to start your journey to reliable renting and tenant screening.
NANCY ABRAMS Assistant Editor American Apartment Owners Association (866) 579-2262 nancy@aaoa.com
Nancy Abrams has enjoyed a long career in real estate marketing throughout Southern California and Las Vegas. She formerly represented 19 Merrill Lynch Realty branch offices, property managers The Roberts Companies, new home developers, including master planned communities Peccole Ranch and The Valencia Company and shopping centers for Sandy Sigel of NewMark Merrill.
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