Corporate Housing Solutions | June 15, 2018
There are increasing reports that Denver has become a target area for scammers looking to dupe people into sending them money on properties they don’t own.
One of the latest methods of fooling people have been to place signs up around neighborhoods claiming properties are for rent or of course posting ads with pictures and details pulled from other listing websites.
An article in the Denver Post recalls some of the situations used by scammers to try and gain the trust of an unwary victim. It reads,
“Bogus ads on Craigslist, Facebook and other forums offering rentals that really aren’t for rent tend to rise with the temperatures outside. The ads, which can stay up for hours before getting flagged as fraudulent, usually show appealing pictures pulled from other online postings and offer an alluring lease rate.
Almost always, the poster had had to move away because of an unforeseen situation that solicits sympathy. And while common sense says never wire money to rent a place you haven’t seen in person, the posters insist they are completely trustworthy. Just wire the money and the key will be on its way.
“Rents are high and people are desperate,” said Hope Grandon, who ran across more than a half dozen bogus ads in her search last month for a studio/one-bedroom rental in Denver.” (Denver Post)
The best way to avoid scams of this nature is to do your due diligence. If a potential renter is unavailable or declines to offer valid contact info and a showing date then that should raise a red flag immediately.
Also google the address listed, if it is listed by a different agency with different pricing and details then you know who you are dealing with is most likely a scammer.
The best way to navigate the treacherous rental waters in the Denver Metro area is to just deal with a property management company.
For a listing of legitimate rentals, executive properties, furnished housing, and corporate housing simply contact Corporate Housing Solutions first.