Unfortunately, with the rising number of foreclosures, come a rising number of vacant homes.  These vacant homes have become bait to scam artists looking for a quick buck!  Scam artists posing as landlords are luring prospective renters in and taking their cash deposits never to be heard from again.  

According to Adam Christianson, Sheriff of Shanisulous County in California, “What you have is primarily young, unsuspecting victims who truly believe they’re entering into a legitimate rental agreement, before you know it, the real property manager shows up and says ‘Why are you here?’ Then they’re out on the street, and also out the money for first and last month’s rent and deposit.”

As a renter, it is important to protect yourself.  Take some time to gather some background information on your new rental, find out who owns the home.  If the name of the person renting the home to you does not match the name of the person who owns the home, contact the owner and inform them of the circumstances that are taking place.  Pay for your deposit with a check, this will deter landlord  impersonators as they will have to show ID to cash a check or deposit it into their account leaving a paper trail that leads back to them.  Educating yourself and being aware of scams is the best protection that you can have.