San Diego Resident Hit By Rental Scam: Are You at Risk?

Alexandria Moya’s dream rental in San Diego became a costly lesson in the danger of rental scams.

Key Insights

San Diego resident Alexandria Moya lost $2,500 to a rental scam offering a seemingly unbeatable price.
Rental scams are escalating, with $350 million lost reported by the FBI in 2021.
Scammers often urge victims for quick payments and copy legitimate listings with altered details.
Verification of property ownership and payments via secure methods are crucial in avoiding scams.

A Deceptive Deal

Alexandria Moya thought she found a deal of a lifetime—a San Diego beachside rental for just $1,000 a month. Unfortunately, the offer was too good to be true. Moya, under pressure to secure the bargain, immediately paid $2,500 but soon found out she wouldn’t get access to the property and that her money was gone.

“I got fooled. It’s easy to get fooled,” Moya said when speaking of her experience to Fox 5 News San Diego.

Rental scams like Moya’s have become alarmingly common. The FBI reported losses of $350 million in similar fraud cases, and the Better Business Bureau reported a sharp rise of 64.1% in 2023. These scammers often claim to be out of town, pressuring potential renters to pay quickly under the guise of high competition for the property.

Spotting Red Flags

Scammers deploy various tactics, from listing nonexistent properties to altering real listings’ contact details. Common red flags include requests for urgent payments, rental offers far below market value, refusal to meet in person, and payment through untraceable methods. Confirming listings via multiple sites, verifying contact details, and demanding in-person property visits are effective ways to prevent these scams.

To safeguard against these tactics, potential renters should ensure property ownership verification through public records and engage with reputable property management companies. It is important to avoid striking deals based on appearances alone and to check the regular rental price in the area. Using credit cards for payments allows for tracking and disputing transactions as needed.

Securing Your Investment

Payment methods can also play a role in protecting from fraud. Wire transfers, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards can be riskier because they tend to be harder to track. Instead, use traceable methods such as credit or debit cards. Keep sensitive information secure, and be wary of unsolicited requests for detailed personal data.

Anyone looking for a room or rental may benefit from taking precautions such as meeting potential roommates or renters in person, conducting background checks, and verifying employment or income through the references. If any aspect of the transaction seems rushed or suspicious, it may be a good idea to move on to other opportunities.