Uptick in rental scams across Idaho

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — As housing continues to be in short demand in Idaho, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns of potential rental scams happening across the state.

Rebecca Barr, marketplace manager for the BBB, said there is an uptick in online rental scams.

"With what we're dealing with in the Treasure Valley, there's a high demand and a low inventory in our housing market," Barr said. "When someone is looking for a place to rent, there's an urgency it's a stressful time, and con-artists are capitalizing on that."

Barr affirms that more people in Idaho are becoming victims, seeing scams on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. She adds scammers look for wire-transferring methods that make it difficult to get your money back.

"They're often asking for these fees in either Venmo, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. These are untraceable forms of payments once you send them out, it's difficult to get them back," she said.

Scammers typically ask for security deposits and rental application fees, before allowing the potential renter to view the property.

Barr believes that it's best to have someone check out the property before moving in. Adding no one should "send money to a place they've never seen before."

She adds it's up to the renters to verify they are dealing with a credible rental company and how important it is for a potential renter to do their homework.

"You want to guard your money, guard your information until you can trust who you're dealing with. Using a local property management company, driving by, just doing that extra research is going to save you," Barr said.

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