I’m not saying that everybody within the U.S. who uses a bank outside of the U.S. is a scam artist, but if you’re seeing this come up, it’s a major red flag, and you should do some more research to ensure everything is legitimate, and that you’re not getting scammed. Why don’t they have a bank in the U.S.? You have a right to ask this question as a part of your tenant-screening process.
They want to send you a certified check.
This red flag scam is similar to the wiring, but instead of wiring you money, they offer to send you a certified check for an amount higher than the deposit and first month’s rent, and they ask you to send them back a check for the overage. But the certified check never comes, they’ve disappeared, and you’ve now lost however much “overage” you paid them.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER
First impressions are key when it comes to potential tenants, and candidates who don’t meet your minimum qualification standards on appearance and behavior should raise some red flags. Some questions you might want to ask yourself include: How do they look? How are they dressed—sharp and professional, or shabby and lazy? Do they look like they take care of themselves and their possessions? Do they have good hygiene? How they take care of themselves is indicative of how they might take care of your home while living there. If they appear shabby, dirty, and/or smelly, then that could end up being the condition of your home, as well. Consider how they take care of their car. Is it dirty? Is it trashed, with garbage and clutter everywhere? This could also indicate how well they take care of your property.
Don’t forget to judge their demeanor (yes, judge —you have the
38
Powered by FlippingBook