Rental Scam Resurfaces in Eugene as Tenants Lose Deposits on Fake Listings
EUGENE, Ore. — Prospective tenants in the Eugene area are once again being scammed by bogus property managers and owners who demand a deposit, and on occasion one month’s rent up-front, before the gullible victims discover that the property is not available for rent or does not even exist.
Eugene Police Department (EPD) says the same scam, which trapped several victims in 2022, has again ‘reared its ugly head.’
How the Rental Scam Works
Finding the right apartment can be difficult and the scammers net their victims with tempting offers. EPD warns that when an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Prospective tenants are advised to do due diligence by physically touring the property they wish to rent, research the property management company, and ensure that the given telephone numbers belong to the company advertised.
Scammers Hijack Ads
Savvy scammers hijack ads by changing email addresses and contact numbers, and may even use the name of the person on the original ad which they then post on another site.
Phantom Rentals
Another popular scam is listing an address of a property that is not available for rent, or that may not even exist. Tenants are lured with the promise of low rentals and/or great amenities. These scammers often place their ads on Craig’s List. They require a deposit and, on occasion, a month’s rent in advance.
Learn to Spot a Scammer
Alarm bells should start ringing when asked for a wire transfer. EPD says there is ‘never a good reason to wire money to pay a security deposit, application fee, or first month’s rent – even if they send you a ‘contract’.
‘Wiring money is the same as sending cash – once you send it, you have no way to get it back. If you can’t meet in person, see the apartment, or sign a lease before you pay, keep looking,’ advises the EPD on its Facebook site.
The EPD says victims of scams should report the incident to local law enforcement agencies and the Federal Trade Commission. Victims should also alert the website on which the ad appeared.