FBI Warning on Online Rental Ads

The FBI has issued a new warning on online rental scams, it warns about the scam and about the potential for identity theft.

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/july09/housingscam_072909.html

How to avoid being victimized:

* Only deal with landlords or renters who are local;
* Be suspicious if you’re asked to only use a wire transfer service;
* Beware of e-mail correspondence from the “landlord” that’s written in poor or broken English;
* Research the average rental rates in that area and be suspicious if the rate is significantly lower;
* Don’t give out personal information, like social security, bank account, or credit card numbers.