If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Rental posting fraud is all too common. Be very cautious when looking at Craigslist and apartment rental websites. Con artists are seeking money and/or personal information for identity theft. | Blog Video
To avoid rental fraud, always speak by voice phone with an agent or manager who uses an advertised phone number. Alta Lofts is home of the L.A. Loft Blog, and we certainly don’t want any prospective neighbors to be ripped off. To help, we’ve just posted the following Fraud Alert on Craigslist:
$2000 / 1br – 1090ft2 – $2000 / 1br – 1090ft2 – Fantastic, natural light filled prime unit in (Lincoln Heights)
FRAUD ALERT!!!
If you see a post similar to this, IT IS A FRAUD. Alta Lofts are not in this price range. DO NOT GIVE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION. FLAG AND REPORT SUSPECTED FRAUD.
THIS IS A FRAUD ALERT!!! Fantastic, natural light filled prime unit in the Alta Lofts, a beautifully renovated industrial warehouse built in 1925. This Stylish unit features high ceilings and hardwood floors , stainless steel appliances, and sought after open floor plan great room. Building amenities include: landscaped courtyard with seating, on-site security guard from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily, fitness center, entertainment room, secure bike storage, BBQ area and secured parking spot and guest parking. Close to 14th Factory art exhibit, LA River bike path, 32 acre LA State Historic Park, Griffith Park, DTLA, Chinatown, Silver Lake & Echo Park, and much more! FRAUD ALERT!!!
If you see a post similar to this, IT IS A FRAUD. Alta Lofts are not in this price range. DO NOT GIVE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION. FLAG AND REPORT SUSPECTED FRAUD.
SIGNS OF FRAUD may include: Priced too low; manager/agent out of town/unavailable; no advertised phone number; requires up-front application or payment.
FRAUD ALERT!!!
Scammers often take advantage of people during times of trouble, such as in the current atmosphere of the crazy virus panic. Here are some more of the scams to be on the lookout for:
Account Take-overs
This is a scam where the cyber criminals take credentials that they obtained from data breaches, and use the login name and password to take over accounts. They are also trying to reach out to kids to give up their account credentials, as they know most of them are out of school.
Phishing
There are a lot of phishing scams out there that are taking advantage of fears and hysteria. Right now, the most prolific are coming out about the World Health Organization, WHO. Preying on fears is a common tactic that people use, and when people click on links in emails that look like they come from WHO, they can get access to your devices, collect private information, and even steal address books.
Vishing
This is a tactic that scammers use to get access to people’s bank account information. The scammer misinforms of a urgent issue, that there is something wrong with their bank account, and that they should call a phone number. When they do this voice fishing, it is a VoIP number, and the victim can unknowingly give up their personal information, including their banking information.
Smishing
A smishing attack is similar to a vishing account, except it uses SMS instead of emails or phone calls to lure in their victims. Most of these smishing attacks are currently focused on the coronavirus and have a sense of urgency to them.
Social Media Attacks
Social media attacks are looking pretty legit these days, and that’s why it’s easy to fall for them. Essentially, they look like a social media post from a real retailer who is giving something away.
Fake e-Commerce Sites
There are also a ton of new fake e-commerce sites popping up, most of them claiming to sell things like masks, gloves, and other COVID-19 related products.
Rogue Mobile Apps
Fake mobile apps are also on the rise, and when downloaded, these apps can install things like spyware, malware, and ransomware on the person’s device.
Work at Home Scams
Finally, we have work at home scams, which are becoming very popular due to so many people being out of work. Often, these scams make people lose more money than they could make.
Don’t be a Victim
Here are some tips that you can use to stop yourself from becoming a victim of these scams:
Don’t respond to any texts or calls from numbers you don’t know or that seem suspicious.
If any strangers offer to pay your bills, buy you real estate or give you lots of money, report them to tips@laloftblog.com. Do not give them any money, credit cards, ID or information.
Don’t share any financial or personal information via text, email, or on the phone.
Be careful if you are asked to share information or make an immediate payment.
Scammers might try to spoof numbers to trick people into answering.
Don’t click on links that you get in text messages. If you get one from a friend, make sure it is legitimate before clicking on it.
Before sending thousands of dollars to escrow, all them to verify that the bank wire information is correct.
These cybercriminals are poised to profit from this panic and poor judgment. They’re doing all they can to take advantage. So, it’s important to use caution.
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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog and LAcondoInfo.com with information provided by Corey Chambers, Realty Source Inc, BRE 01889449 We are not associated with the homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LAcondoInfo.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.