Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel has a sharp message for homebuyers and renters: Watch out for scams. Nessel says that an uptick in fraudulent real estate listings has put potential tenants and purchasers at risk, with some listings featuring properties that don't exist, or that are falsely represented.
With one Florida home listing on Zillow priced at under three percent of its true value, scammers have been exploiting the eagerness of first-time home buyers, demanding deposits upwards of $4,500 to even view a house. "Purchasing a home is often the single largest expense a consumer will make in their lifetime, and entering a new lease on a rental home likewise represents a huge financial commitment," Nessel said in a statement obtained by FOX 2 Detroit. She also warned of the attraction fraudsters have to these large sums of money, and advised every prospective deal to be approached with "moderate vigilance and reasonable precautions."
Additionally, as noted by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, a Facebook Marketplace ad for another home in Florida was used for four different scams targeting both buyers and renters. This kind of deception is becoming more common in the digital age, where scammers can mask their true intentions behind a screen.
Among the warning signs pointed out by Nessel's office are requests to wire funds, landlords claiming to be overseas, demands for verification codes or personal information, and the presence of grammatical or spelling errors. "Do not provide your bank account number or Social Security Number to anyone you have not verified," Nessel said, as quoted by the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Renters and home buyers are being cautioned to keep an eagle eye on such details to sidestep these schemes.
Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of a rental or real estate scam is urged to report to their local law enforcement, the FTC, and the website where the ad was posted. Efforts by Nessel's office aim to educate the public and curb the tide of fraudulent activity, assuring fair opportunity in achieving the American dream of secure and safe housing.
