From shady lease agreements to too-good-to-be-true listings, rental scams are on the rise in Springfield—and they can cost victims thousands of dollars, not to mention heaps of stress. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, knowledge is your best defense. Here’s how to stay a step ahead of the fraudsters.
1. The Fake Listing Trap
What It Looks Like:
- A beautiful home with a suspiciously low monthly rent.
- An unresponsive “landlord” who only communicates via email or text.
- Excuses to avoid in-person property showings (“I’m out of town,” “I’m dealing with a family emergency,” etc.).
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the Listing: Check public property records to confirm ownership. A quick search with the county assessor’s office or an online service can confirm if the “landlord” even owns the place.
- Never Pre-Pay: If someone asks for a security deposit or first month’s rent before you’ve seen the property, that’s a red flag. Legitimate landlords understand the need for an in-person visit.
- Meet in Person: If the landlord refuses to meet or show the property, walk away—no matter how tempting the deal.
2. The Bait-and-Switch Lease
What It Looks Like:
- A lease that doesn’t match what was advertised (e.g., different monthly rent, security deposit, or included utilities).
- Hidden clauses that give the landlord excessive control or create extra fees.
- Pressure to sign immediately without time to read through the contract.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Read Every Page: Don’t skim! Look for contradictory statements, extra fees, or blank fields that could be filled in later.
- Compare to the Listing: If the listing promised free parking, confirm that perk is in the lease. If the advertised rent was $1,000, make sure that’s what you’re signing for.
- Ask for Clarifications: Any legitimate landlord will happily clarify or correct contract issues in writing before you sign.
3. The Bogus Background Check
What It Looks Like:
- A supposed “landlord” demands $100 or more for a “mandatory background check.”
- They direct you to wire the fee or pay via gift cards.
- You never receive an application form or official screening documents—just a promise they’ll “approve you once the check is done.”
How to Protect Yourself:
- Ask for Documentation: Legitimate landlords usually use third-party services or official rental apps for screenings.
- Check the Market Rate: Typical background check fees range between $30–$50 in most markets. Anything higher is suspicious.
- Pay Safely: Don’t send money via wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps to someone you’ve never met. Always use traceable, reputable methods like checks or secure portals.
4. Identity Theft Through Rental Applications
What It Looks Like:
- An application that demands excessive personal information—think Social Security number, bank passwords, or your driver’s license photo before any legitimate showing.
- A “management company” that can’t provide a legitimate business address, phone number, or website.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Ask Why: It’s normal for landlords to request SSNs or driver’s license numbers for credit and background checks, but be wary if they ask for unrelated personal data (like your bank account login).
- Confirm the Company: Google the property management firm, read reviews, and call the office. A real company is easy to verify.
- Use Secure Channels: If you must submit sensitive data, do it via an encrypted portal or secure email, not an open spreadsheet or unencrypted PDF.
5. For Landlords: Beware of “Tenant Scams”
Yes, landlords can be victims, too.
Stolen Identities
- Someone applies with a stolen identity and moves in. You may not discover the fraud until unpaid rent piles up or the real person gets alerted to credit issues.
Fake Pay Stubs
- High-quality fake pay stubs are easy to buy online, leading landlords to believe an applicant earns more than they actually do.
Security Deposit Fraud
- A prospective tenant sends a check for more than the required deposit, then asks you to refund the difference. Weeks later, the original check bounces—and you’re out the money you refunded.
Tips for Landlords
- Verify Employment: Contact employers directly (using the official company website or phone number) to confirm job status and salary.
- Require an ID Check: Compare photo IDs to the person standing in front of you during showings or lease signings.
- Be Wary of Overpayments: If someone overpays and quickly asks for a partial refund, consider it a red flag.
6. Action Steps to Stay Safe
Conduct Thorough Research
Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, gather all the facts. Know the property’s history, confirm identity, and keep an eye out for inconsistencies.Use Reputable Platforms
Sticking to well-known listing sites (Zillow, Realtor.com, official property management websites) can help minimize risk. If you find listings on social media or lesser-known sites, proceed with caution.Meet Face-to-Face
A handshake and a walkthrough go a long way in confirming legitimacy. Video tours can be a backup, but they’re never a perfect replacement for physically visiting the property.Trust Your Gut
If the deal feels sketchy—like a landlord who wants you to mail cash to a P.O. Box—walk away. A legitimate rental process doesn’t thrive on secretive or rushed transactions.
7. Final Word: Stay Vigilant
Rental scams are evolving, but so are the tools to combat them. By doing your homework, staying cautious about money transfers, and insisting on legitimate paperwork, you can avoid becoming the next victim. Springfield may have its fair share of scammers, but remember: knowledge is your best defense.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, verify identities, and walk away from any situation that doesn’t feel right. Whether you’re looking for your next home or tenant, a little extra due diligence will save you a mountain of headaches—and possibly a chunk of cash.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your individual situation.
