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(Originally inspired by RentHop’s safety guidelines)
Scams happen everywhere — online and offline — and the real estate world is no exception. Some scammers post fake rental listings just to steal your personal or financial information.
At ShabirAhmad.us, we care about your safety. Whether you’re looking for an apartment in New York, Los Angeles, or beyond, it is important to always be alert and take precautions before sharing money or personal details.
Golden Rule ⚠️ Don’t Pay Before You See the Place!
Never send money or share financial details (like your bank info or credit card number) with someone you’ve never met for an apartment you’ve never seen.
If something feels off — it probably is.
🕵️♀️ Common Signs of Rental Scams
Below is a list of what to watch out for when browsing listings:
- “Out-of-Town” Landlord: They claim to be abroad or serving as a missionary, UN worker, or military officer.
- Odd Hours or Time Zones: If you’re getting emails at 3 AM — 🚩 big red flag.
- Grammar & Spelling Errors: Poorly written messages can often signal a scammer.
- Requests for Sensitive Info: Never share your SSN, bank details, or ID with strangers.
- Wire Transfers or Western Union Requests: If they ask you to “wire the deposit,” it’s 100% a scam. Always use trackable payment options like credit cards or checks.
🧾 Protect Yourself from Scams
- Report the listing immediately to the site you found it on (for example, RentHop or Craigslist).
- Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact your wire service (like Western Union or MoneyGram) ASAP — they may be able to reverse the transaction.
- Keep all records: emails, texts, receipts, and screenshots of any communication. This helps in official investigations.
🔍 How to Verify a Real Agent or Landlord
To ensure you’re working with a trustworthy person:
Check reviews and ratings on platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, or the agent’s profile on RentHop.
Call the brokerage to confirm the agent works there.
Ask for their license number — in New York, you can verify it on the official eAccessNY Lookup Page.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or trusted real estate groups.
Google their name to check for public reviews or past work.
💬 In the words of Shabir Ahmad, licensed Real Estate Salesperson, with The Corcoran Group:
“In New York real estate, protecting tenants isn’t optional — it’s the law.
As per NYS regulations, an application fee can never exceed $20, and if someone charges more than that, it’s a major red flag 🚩 No landlord or agent can ask for a security deposit higher than one month’s rent — anything beyond that is another red flag 🚩 you should never ignore.A trustworthy agent will always have a clear and professional online presence 🌐 — like a verified Google Business profile and a personal website — because transparency builds confidence.
Know your rights, protect your money, and work only with people who value honesty and integrity.”
— Shabir Ahmad 🗝️✨
💡 Final Thought: “If It Seems Too Good to Be True… It Probably Is!”
Nevertheless, when a deal looks too perfect — a luxury apartment at half the price, for example — take a step back and double-check everything. At ShabirAhmad.us, we want you to find a great place safely and confidently. 🏡💙 Stay Smart. Stay Safe. Stay Scam-Free! ✨
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