All right whether you're looking to buy Or rent there are scams you need to look Out for as you look for your next home In 2023 more than 41 million renters and Homeowners were cost burdened in the US Meaning that they paid for housing with At least 30% of their income and as our Money watch housing guide points out That could make them very easy targets For scammers but take a look at this CBS National Consumer correspondent Asha Kashi is here in studio 57 to help folks At home not get ripped off is this the First time we're talking to you on set I Think it Isome I know we've talked offset we have A lot and so help people at home know How often these types of scams are Happening well according to the FBI's Internet crime reports there are nearly 70,000 reported instances of real estate And Rental cyber crimes with over 1.4 Billion with a B dollars lost from 2018 To 2023 wow and a when when we're Thinking about these scams what should People actually be specifically looking Out for when they're looking for a home Well we worked with the CBS confirmed Team and uh we're investigating housing Scams which are impacting people Nationwide especially during the the Search process right so one way scammers Are targeting people is by posing as Government programs for lowincome
Housing on social media for example take A look at this this is a PSA about a Fraudulent Section 8 housing ad from a Scammer who's using Facebook people fill Out an application thinking they're Getting an on a weight list or applying To low-income housing instead scammers Steal their information to commit fraud According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development now Another one is fraudulent housing Listings they often promote a low price Use fake copied or doctored photos and Request upfront payments seller Impersonation fraud is an example of This these are emails where the scammer Attempted to impersonate the legitimate Owner of a vacant property and steal Funds from the sale it's devastating When you consider you're playing with People's emotions as they try to find a Home so how can people identify when a Listing is too good to be true for Example well it sounds obvious but do Your research that's like the most Important thing you can do compare Prices if it's too good to be true it Probably is verify ask for official Documentation cross check information by Making sure the contact information Lines up with the property owner listed On an official website all right so Regardless of identifying the scam how Can people best protect themselves from
Being tricked right I mean and again This is do your diligence do your due Diligence be wared don't trust anybody Really right and be wary of a hard cell For example if there are any upfront Costs before a housing agreement is Signed try to do an in-person tour avoid Close calls don't click on any links Give any information or sign anything Before you confirm legitimacy and ask Your title or real estate agent what Security measures they have in place to Keep you safe if something seems off Take a pause and again do your due Diligence like we've said if it seems Too good to be true it probably is all Right you've officially become my Favorite user USA Ki thanks so much Great to have you here
