The local Better Business Bureau has put out an alert reminding would-be renters to use caution when looking for properties online.
Beware if landlords are unavailable to show the property, only communicate via e-mail and ask for wire transfers, according to the bureau, which serves Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia.
Victims of Internet rental scams say they are usually unable to view the property and the so-called landlords can only be contacted through e-mail, the bureau said.
Some of the homes offered “for rent” online are actually for sale, and still occupied by the owner, the bureau said.
The consumer advocacy organization said there are a couple of “red flags” to look for when searching for rental property online. First, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Look for other rentals in the area and compare process. Second, if the landlord asks for money, don’t pay anything until you inspect the home inside and out.
For more information from the BBB on how to avoid scams like this, visit www.bbb.org.
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