Keep yourself from getting swindled and protect yourself from replying to a fraudulent posting by reading a few tips to keep you safe while searching for an apartment in Chico or Redding.
When a reputable apartment complex is trying to attract potential renters, they will put the name of the complex and where they're located. If the posting doesn’t give you the information, and if you inquire and the poster doesn’t give you the address, then move on to the next posting.
When you see a deal that is too good to be true, then that is most likely the case. Some people who are trying to scam will use the same posting for different locations. Check out your area and get an idea on what is average price for a similar caliber apartment. If that number is way larger than the number that is listed on the posting, then you probably found a scam.
Credit checks are a common part of the rental process to ensure that you're financially stable to rent an apartment. But, you shouldn’t have to go through the credit check process before you fill out the application or in order to see the apartment. Be mindful of who you give your social security number and other banking information to. This is how people get their identities and money stolen.
You should also never be required to send money or sign a lease before seeing the apartment. If this is a requirement from the person who posted the apartment ad, then this is a scam.
So, what happens if they give you all of the information you need, they seem like trustworthy people and you can’t find any reason not to trust them? This was the case of a woman in New York. Read her story below to find out how sneaky these scammers can be.
Now, from the beginning: I needed to vacate my apartment by Jan. 31 and my housing situation fell through at the last minute. I had enough funds in my savings to front the massive initial deposit, but I was hesitant to lock myself into a year-long lease -- especially since the situation with my preferred roommates had fallen through. So I instead opted for a short sublet and began scouring Craigslist and other sites for something that would work in a pinch.
That's when I met Kim. We arranged a meeting to see her apartment on E. 9th St. I liked the space. She was friendly, personable and great at small talk. She provided just enough details about her life to draw me in without saying too much to make me question the specifics. We hit it off right away and I thought I had lucked into a great situation at the precise time I desperately needed one.
I was wrong.
The process of searching for an apartment can be draining, especially if you're trying to evaluate whether listings are scams or real! Make the process easier by checking out the properties at Hignell Rentals.
We have great apartment complexes all throughout Chico, Redding and Northern California, as well as a trustworthy online application process. You can rest assured, we're the real deal!