Tips on avoiding rental scams

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In this era of tight credit and nationwide searches for jobs, renting a place to live can sometimes be far more practical than buying. But beware of scams from phony landlords, says the Federal Trade Commission, which put out an alert on the topic today.

Scammers have been known to hijack legitimate rental listings by changing the contact information and running the ad elsewhere, and some fraudsters simply make up fake listings to try to get your deposit, application fee or first month’s rent before you realize you’ve been duped.

Here are three warning signs that you might be getting scammed:

-- If the ‘landlord’ wants you to wire money, that’s almost a sure sign of a fraud. Sending money by wire is almost like sending cash -- once it’s collected on the other end, it’s near impossible to trace,let alone get refunded. Money-by-wire is the preferred payment method of scammers.

-- If the person who placed the ad wants you to pay a deposit or other fee before you’ve signed a lease or even seen the apartment, be very cautious. At least have a friend look the place over before you send a check.

-- If the ‘landlord’ wants you to send money overseas, it’s probably a good idea to pass on the offer and keep looking.

-- David Colker