Beware of housing rental scams during COVID-19

VENTURA , Calif. - The Ventura County District Attorney's Office is warning everyone to beware of online housing rental scams during the Coronavirus pandemic.

District Attorney Gregory Totten released a statement on Monday explaining how online listing services do not typically verify that the person listing a property for rent is actually authorized to do so. This opens the door to con artists and crooks who seek to take advantage of people when they may be in desperate need for housing.

Some residents face uncertainty regarding the length of temporary mortgage forbearance accommodations as the pandemic and the economic fallout drag on.

These rental scams are easy to setup online and specifically on websites such as Craigslist.org. They can also be operated from anywhere in the world. The District Attorney's Office recommends the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:

·         Arrange to meet with the owner or agent to inspect the property prior to paying any money. If the “owner” is out of town or otherwise “unavailable” to show the property, or states the property may not be shown, look for another rental property. 

·         Be wary of advertisements offering a property at below market rent or at a significant discount.

·         Do not pay for rent or security deposits with cash or using an online wire transfer.

·         Whenever possible, deliver your payment to an open and established business and avoid sending money through the mail. Demand a signed lease agreement, receipt, and keys to a rental property in exchange for your initial payment.

·         Obtain identification from and make note of whomever is claiming to have the authority to rent out the property.

·         Be wary of people who claim to be a real estate or rental agent but provide a business card without a valid California Department of Real Estate (DRE) license number.

·         Use websites that have visible and current customer feedback, ratings on landlords, and a reputation for secured transactions.

·         To prevent your identity from being stolen, do not provide a social security number, driver’s license number, or bank account number until you have verified the person renting a property is actually authorized to do so.

·         If a property is advertised by someone claiming to be a real estate agent, verify their credentials at the California Department of Real Estate website. (www.dre.ca.gov)

·         If the rental listing is being advertised by a property management company, such companies are also licensed by the California Department of Real Estate and their credentials should be verified at the California Department of Real Estate website. (www.dre.ca.gov)

·         The best practice is to work with a licensed real estate agent or property manager to find legitimate available rental properties. If an agent fails to perform due diligence and a consumer loses money as a result, the consumer may contact the California Department of Real Estate and may be able to seek restitution.

Victims and property owners, or agents working on their behalf in Ventura County only who find an unauthorized property offered for rent online are encouraged to immediately submit a report to the District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit at rentalscam@ventura.org.

If you're a victim please contact http://www.vcdistrictattorney.com/publications/.