Page 22 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 11, 2025 BBB Scam Alert: Rental cons cash in on stressed out movers I f you are considering a move and need to rent, watch out for a new twist on fake rental ads. According to multiple Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker reports, scammers use fake tenant credit checks to trick potential renters into compromising sensitive personal information. How the scam works: You fi nd a good deal on an apartment while browsing rental listings online. When you call the number to inquire, the owner asks you to complete a credit check before you can see the place. If you agree, they’ll send you a link to a website where you can get the credit check done. The website might look professional, but it’s all part of a scam. After you enter your sensitive information and pay for the credit check, the “landlord” will disappear. Your credit card information could be compromised, and you could even be at risk for identity theft. One consumer in California reported paying for the credit check as part of the application, then tried to cancel after they “put all of our personal information on there… there is no phone number on a form to request for someone to contact you and no one ever does.” They lost $100, had to cancel their card and are now worried about identity theft. Another consumer in Connecticut reported that they fi lled out the application and paid, but “No credit check was made until after 35 days after I called[,] email[ed] and texted numerous times regarding my refund for service not provided… lesson learned I will always look at reviews as if I did, I would not have lost my $100…” — again, leave the name out since we never know if the scammer is spoofi ng a name. Another consumer reported the following experience: “I gave my name, address, and social security number to obtain my credit score from this website. I was asked to take a screenshot of my score and send it to the same address that emailed me the link. Afterward, I was sent an email with a showing time, but the house number was not listed on this email or on the listing on Craigslist.” Afterward, the consumer was unable to reach anyone about the apartment. Their calls and emails went unanswered. How to avoid credit check rental scams · Be wary of lower-than-usual prices. If the rent for an apartment is well below the going market rate, consider it a red flag. Scammers love to draw people in with claims that sound too good to be true. · Do some research. Search the listing online, as well as the associated phone number and email address. If you fi nd another listing for the same property in a different city, you’ve spotted a scam. Reverse image searches can be helpful, too, as can searching the alleged landlord’s name along with the word “scam.” These searches only take a few minutes and are well worth the effort. Also, search BBB Scam Tracker (www.bbb.org/ scamtracker) for any recent reports. · Always see the property in person. Many rental scams involve listings for properties that don’t exist. Something is fi shy if the renter refuses to let you know where the apartment is before you complete a credit check or pay them a deposit. Be wary, too, if you are given the address of a home with a “for sale” sign in the yard. You might not be in contact with the actual owners. TRINITY REAL ESTATE 321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK TrinityHomesRE.com 137 Congress Avenue, Chelsea List Price: $799,900 This multi family home offers 4 rooms, 2 bedrooms on the first floor. 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms on the second level. Wood flooring just refinished on the second level & first level was done 3 years ago. Massport sound improvement windows. Heating systems were Converted to gas heat two years ago, also two year old cement lined water heaters. Fenced in yard, Two car garage with brand new Garage door! Additional tandem parking for 3 to 4 cars. Family owned for close to 60 years!! Listing Agent: Lisa Smallwood 617.240.2448 6 781.231.9800 471 Broadway, Lynn List Price: $825,000 2 Family in convenient location..1st Unit has 4 Rms/2 Brs/1 Bath that features an eat-in cabinet kitchen w/gas stove, disposal, refrigerator and tiled floor, a large living room. The freshly painted 2nd Unit features an eat-in cabinet kitchen, a large open dining rm/living rm and a private master suite w/master bath and hardwood floors along with a small bonus area, 3 good size bedrooms and another full bath. 2 new gas furnaces and hot water heaters, upgraded electrical, 2 washer/dryer hook-ups,10 yr old roof, outdoor patio, yard space, 2 Car Garage. Listing Agent: Pat Torcivia 781.820.0974 · Verify the property owner’s information. Contact a licensed real estate agent to see who owns a property or check the county property appraiser’s website. Ask the landlord for a copy of their ID to verify they are who they claim to be before you off er up sensitive personal information like your social security number for a credit check. If the landlord refuses or gets upset, you could be dealing with a scammer. Check BBB.org for trusted property owners. · Be cautious about credit check websites. If you need a credit check, always use reputable sources, such as those recommended by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Also, check to see if the website is secure. Learn how to identify a fake website. For more information, read https://www.bbb.org/all/moving. 1 Carey Circle, 201, Revere - Rental Monthly: $3,000 358 Broadway, 22, Lynn - Rental Monthly: $2,700 AVAILABLE NOW AT POINT OF PINES CONDOMINIUMS! Spacious 2-bedroom, 2 full bath condo featuring a generous master suite designed for comfort and privacy. The sleek kitchen with stainless steel appliances is perfect for preparing your favorite meals. Enjoy the open-concept living space, which flows seamlessly to a private balcony~the perfect spot to relax and take in the ocean views and refreshing sea breeze Listing Agent: Lucia Ponte ws andn 781.883.8130 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom condo located in Wyoma Village! Walk into a bright and spacious living room which features a sliding door leading to your own private balcony. The open concept continues from the living room into the inviting eat in kitchen. The two bedrooms are adorned with wall-to-wall carpet and spacious closets. The building is professionally managed and includes a laundry room in the basement. One assigned off street parking spot, heat and hot water are included in the rent. Close to transportation, shopping, business, and restaurants. Listing Agent, Broker/Owner: Ronnie Puzon 917.992.3689 n 9 Providing Real Estate Services for Nearly Two Decades Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden, all North Shore communities, Boston and Beyond. Follow Us
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