Read on Twitter
Rental scams are very common!! Especially in the city of Detroit where there are a lot of empty homes. People pretend to own homes, rent them out, but they are not the true owners. The tenant is often evicted as a trespasser and the scammer keeps the rent.
Another common scam is a "lease with option to purchase" often presented as a land contract it's actually a lease. All the responsibility of a land contract and none of the protection for the tenant.
A scam that often targets more well off people are Craigslist listings that require a tenant to wire the first month rent and security deposit. Often presented as sublets the listing will state reasons why the renter can't view the place in person before sending the money.
Always read everything before you sign. Keep copies of all agreements. Pay with a money order or check and get a receipt. If you are purchasing make sure the contract is read over by a lawyer who works for YOU. Always view a place in person before agreeing to rent it.
