Did I just enter a rental scam?

[7window]

Saw an ad on craigslist for rental. I gave a $300 deposit (for my son who is going to college) without seeing the place. Google map shows the house but now I am wondering if I should make a stop payment on the check. I only have the guys cell number and license plate on his SUV. He seem like a nice guy and let us sign a rental agreement. He claims his kids are all professional and he is a retired professional. What do you guys think? Should I put a stop payment on the check?

 

[deadlyapp]

I had to rent my current place without seeing it in person first, I only had pictures to go by. Sent $1200 to the guy for first months rent and damage deposit. I had his cell phone number and drivers license.

You've probably got enough safety with the license plate, I'm sure you're fine.

 

[pelov]

I've seen these scams personally while helping a cousin find a place in NYC. She found a decent place in Manhattan for what I thought was way too cheap to be true. The listing had pics of the place and the building. I googled the building, called up the management and they confirmed it was fake and they'd already had a few people who had paid this random stranger the money only to find out that later that they'd been conned.

You definitely want to check out the place beforehand and should never pay someone a deposit before you know the place is theirs to rent.

 

[swanysto]

Saw an ad on craigslist for rental. I gave a $300 deposit (for my son who is going to college) without seeing the place. Google map shows the house but now I am wondering if I should make a stop payment on the check. I only have the guys cell number and license plate on his SUV. He seem like a nice guy and let us sign a rental agreement. He claims his kids are all professional and he is a retired professional. What do you guys think? Should I put a stop payment on the check?

You should see if you can look up the owner of the house/apt. If it isn't his name, stop check.

 

[blackdogdeek]

i would probably never send anyone a check for $300 without seeing the place first and somehow confirming that the recipient has the right to rent the place out.

 

[techs]

Let me get this straight. You have the guys license plate number, and cell phone number. The place you contracted for does exist. You signed a lease.

Basically, you better not stop payment.

 

[pelov]

Let me get this straight. You have the guys license plate number, and cell phone number. The place you contracted for does exist. You signed a lease.

Basically, you better not stop payment.

That'd only hold true if it was his place to rent out and if he actually owns it and if that's the right place, all of which are in question here.

The license plate number means squat unless you know it's his car and cell phone number means even less. The guy I spoke with I contacted both via email and cell phone and he even posted a picture of himself so she, my cousin, would know who to meet.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Check tax records for the location on the ownership of the property.

 

[7window]

Well the place is priced right and I don't want to lose the place. I know it will go fast because it is close to the school. He just happen to give it to us because we live in the same town. I met him here in town but his cell phone and license plate is from the area where my son will be renting. He didn't give me the key to the place because he wants to check our credit.

 

[techs]

Call up the phone or power company and tell them you want to change over the service.
You can usually get some info from them.

 

[7window]

Check tax records for the location on the ownership of the property.

How do I check tax record?

 

[CPA]

How do I check tax record?

What state do you live in?

 

[techs]

Well the place is priced right and I don't want to lose the place. I know it will go fast because it is close to the school. He just happen to give it to us because we live in the same town. I met him here in town but his cell phone and license plate is from the area where my son will be renting. He didn't give me the key to the place because he wants to check our credit.

Uh, that part is suspicious. You signed a rental agreement so he agreed to rent it to you. He can't back out now. Why is he checking your credit.

 

[7window]

What state do you live in?

california, but the guy is in arizona. just zaba search the property and property is not listed with his name.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Basically, sigh.


Never give some random stranger money (be it a check, or whatever) with no goods or anything at all in return.