We regualry warn members about scam attacks on glocals' Housing for Rent Section. This week we saw a new Scam technique, and we wanted to let you know of it.
What's special about it is that you actually meet the scammer, while all other scams we've seen so far entailed a long-distance scammer.
Here's how it works:
- You go to see an apt that's advertised as a 'for rent'.
- The person who rents it out greets you in person in the apt, and tells you he/she will sub-let the place to you.
- They ask for a cash advance (of-course), usually for 3-4 months. They show you some ID, and tell you you'll sign a contract with them. It all seems kosher: you're in the apt, you see the renter, and you see his/her ID. So you pay.
- However, the scam is this: the person who just rented the place to you really lives in the apt, but his/her contract ends in the next few days. So the place is not theirs to sub-let for the next few months. By the time you realise this, the person is long gone...with your money.
Be careful out there - there's bad people even on glocals...
Nir, glocals moderator
