Moving is stressful. There’s no doubt about it. Here are some of the most important “do” and “don’t” moving tips to help you prepare for your household moving day.
Be wary when you are requested to make a payment. For something minor like a credit check or security deposit, in most cases, there’s nothing you can do to get your money back because the scammer can’t be tracked.
If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
The email sounds strange. Scammers usually use free email servers and they’ll often go by a series of random letters to make them less easily traceable.
The agent won’t show you the property. If you ask to see the property and they claim it’s impossible, it’s probably a fake listing.
The seller pushes you. The faster a scammer gets you to agree to a business deal, the faster they can
steal your money and avoid getting caught.
The seller asks you to wire money. When you see the term “wire money” or similar variation of that phrase come up in a business conversation with someone you’ve never met, red flags should go up.
The buyer or seller is foreign and wants to buy a home unseen. Most people want to at least see a property and become familiar with the area before making a large investment.
Be well informed about market related prices within the area. If a property is advertised way below the market related price for that area it should raise your concerns.
If you found a “bargain” online, call the estate agency to find out if the deal is for real. Don’t call the number at the bottom of the ad because this number could lead to a fake office.
Be wary of agents and landlords who seem too eager or pushy.
Be worried when the agent is constantly making up excuses on not being able to show you the property.
Never pay a deposit before you have viewed a property.
More and more scams pop up through time! Be alert and always protect yourself from such frauds.