Have you ever experienced a rental scam when PCSing? What are some things to look out for?

2018-05-22T11:58:04-04:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 12:24 PM

2018-05-22T12:24:48-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member thankfully no. I have seen some shady places and stayed away from them and looked for more legit sites and locations.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-05-22T13:03:49-04:00

I don't know that a property being listed for sale would necessarily be a red-flag. Not saying it isn't worth asking the question, but a lot of people go the 'for sale or rent' route-- especially if they KNOW they are asking too much for the property due to being upside down or whatever and just HOPING someone comes along and bites on it or if it has been on the market for a long time (say over 4 months) without moving.
While it probably wouldn't work for a short-term rental, if you are looking to sign a multi-year lease (and there are no other 'red flags'), the owners will likely pull it off the market if they have a guaranteed tenant to cover the rent for a few years to give the market dynamics time to shift possibly to their favor down the road.
The other flags, I agree with. This one-- worth asking additional questions, but not a show-stopper.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made May 22 at 2018 1:32 PM

2018-05-22T13:32:17-04:00

I wish I could say I never have experienced a scam while PCSing, but I truly can't do so.

I found a place that was budget and in a nice neighborhood; I was going to save a substantial amount in a year. I ask to see the apartment and the landlord agreed, but he was a no-show. I contacted the landlord again; however, his phone was switched off. I knocked on a few doors to inquire about the flat. All reviews were red flags that the deal was a scam and the landlord was a fraud. Later that evening the landlord contacted me and claimed his apartment was no longer on the market for me, because I was interfering in his business. I dropped the idea of renting that apartment and it took me over a month to find another good flat in a decent neighborhood again and that too at a reasonable price.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made May 23 at 2018 3:24 AM

2018-05-23T03:24:12-04:00

I had to move out of the barracks ASAP because the unit needed the space for the junior soldiers. I found an ad that seemed to good to be true. I rolled the dice and checked it out...best decision EVER! The apartment was on 8 acres of land, it was a private residence that had been broken up into apartments (kitchens, bathrooms, etc). The landlord/lady were fantastic. I could leave for thirty+ days and know that my stuff would still be there. It was a great place to live.

I know this isn't the type of story that you're looking for, but I still wanted to share it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-09-01T09:57:39-04:00

My house was used as part of rental scam once. I had a few visitors on one particular day asking to see the place. My house wasn't for rent, but these people were scammed into sending personal info and money to some anonymous person.

I would recommend to never send personal info or money to anyone before actually signing the lease. This may seem like common sense, but it wasn't for those folks that came knocking on my door.