FRAUDSTERS OFTEN RELY ON URGENCY TO PUSH LANDLORDS.
4. High-pressure communication that seems suspicious
Fraudsters often rely on urgency to push landlords into acting without verifying details. For instance, they may claim your account is at risk or that immediate action is required. Another type of scam highlighted in local coverage by ABC Raleigh involved a man posing as a landlord in North Carolina. He was taking deposits and security payments for a property that wasn’t legitimately offered for rent. Dozens of renters were out thousands of dollars in such schemes before authorities pursued charges.
What to watch for:
How to help protect yourself:
• Requests for login credentials or password reset codes • Messages threatening account suspension or verification deadlines • Prospective renters pushing to sign a lease without seeing the property
• Keep communication within your rental platform until identities are confirmed • Stop engaging if something feels off and report it immediately • Stay informed about common scam tactics so they’re easier to spot
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