Renting a home or apartment is a big expense and an even bigger one when the rental is a scam. Scammers look for easy cash by collecting the first month’s rent, a deposit and application and background check fees and then bolt before handing over the keys. Numerous versions of rental frauds abound - some are bait-and-switch while others will attempt to rent out properties already leased or otherwise unavailable.

Renters signing leases and putting down money based on units similar to a model unit is on the rise and would-be renters are losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. When renting a new place, watch out for scammers who ask you to sign before seeing anything or request payment via wire transfer, peer-to-peer apps or cash. Do your research on the property and owner and read agreements carefully.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 and speak to trained staff or volunteers for help with a fraud encounter.