Crime Prevention Tips and Alerts

Rental Scam Warning and Prevention Tips
Recently the River Forest Police Department has been notified of several fraud cases involving renters and rental properties. As a result we are offering some tips about the do's and don'ts of renting.

When you are considering renting a property, research first:

• Ask for the condominium Association’s information to verify ownership and information regarding problems in the unit or on the property.
• Check with neighbors and tenants to determine if this building and neighborhood is best for you.
• Drive past the property at different hours to see noise levels and potential problems.

Remember to always ask:

• How much the rent is and whether it is paid weekly or monthly
• The total deposit required
• What period of notice you need to give at the end of the tenancy
• How much the council tax/association assessment is
• How the property is heated and how much the gas and/or electricity bills usually are

Tips for avoiding apartment rental scams:

• Ask to see the landlord's ID, and record all the information you can from it.
• Use an internet search tool to check the person's name who you're dealing with. Be sure to add quotes around their name. You could add the words "fraud" or "scam" at the end of your search terms.
• Use reverse directory look up if the person has given you their true telephone number. It's important to double check that they are who they say they are.
• Visit the local county courthouse to look up property ownership for the apartment in question. Who really owns it? Is it the person you're dealing with or someone else?
• Scan any provided photographs carefully. Do they match up with what you've seen in person? Do they look like they all came from the same place?
• If the landlord or leasing agent does not ask for an application or permission to check your credit that's a red flag!
• Considering the current state of our economy and the rise in foreclosures, ask the landlord if they're current on their mortgage payments, and then get their answer in writing.
• Consider using another method for obtaining a rental, i.e. real estate agent, going through a rental agency, etc. Most of these services are provided to renters at no charge.
• Use checks for all transactions and keep the records in case something happens.
• Photograph the unit before moving in, any damage you caused, and the unit again just prior to moving out.

Tips about what to do if you are the victim of fraud:

• Report the incident to police right away.
• Write down any and all information regarding the subject you dealt with and what problems may have happened.