Help Avoid Rental Scams

Always contact Blue Skye Management directly for accurate information

  
Common Red Flags for typical rental scams you might find online:

• Rent offered below market. Scammers know that innocent renters will be less cautious if they are motivated to close quickly on a good deal. Be weary of prices too good to be true.

• Request to wire money. Legitimate landlords do not ask renters to wire money to any account, especially an account located abroad. They also don't ask for money by Western Union, MoneyGram or other money transfer services.

• Request to use another listing service or escrow account to transfer money. Scammers may impersonate legitimate listings services, like AirBnB or HomeAway, or request that money is sent to an escrow account to make renters believe they are dealing with a legitimate entity.

• Dramatic landlord story. The landlord has received a job assignment abroad and must rent the unit ASAP. You are invited to drive by the building, but no one can show it to you because everyone is already living abroad. And you need to commit in the next 24 hours because dozens of people are waiting to sign the lease. A legitimate landlord will meet you in person and allow you to tour the property before asking for a deposit to secure the rental.

• Can’t or won’t meet in person. For whatever reason, the landlord/agent refuses to meet you in person at the property. They may even send you an access code to unlock an electronic lockbox to gain entry by yourself to the house, condo or apartment you are looking to rent.