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Renter Scams and Fraud

Avoid Scams & Fraud:

The risk of scams and fraud is all around us, especially in this online world. You should be mindful and vigilant with your personal information when searching for properties to rent. Never send payment without seeing the property first. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We hope this Off-Campus Housing Information section of our website will be able to provide a reliable source of rental listings for our students. Be aware of what decisions you are making when looking for a rental property. We do not participate in any rental transactions other than those with our on-campus properties. If you are scammed, we cannot refund your money.

What We Do:

UL Lafayette has identified select off-campus rental properties in Lafayette within commutable distance of the University to promote on its website. Even though the listed properties are being identified as an off-campus housing option for students, UL Lafayette is in no way endorsing or approving a landlord/property manager, its properties, or its business practices. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating a prospective rental unit or landlord.

Scams To Look Out For:

  • Rent offered below market value: We all love a good deal but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers will take advantage of students who are less cautious and more motivated to secure the best deal as soon as possible. Research and visit the rental property before sending money or signing a contract/lease.
  • Request to wire money: The scammer will sometimes request you to wire money to secure the property. Legitimate landlords do not ask renters to wire money to any account, especially an international account. You should question if they ask you to wire money or use a money transfer service.
  • Ask for payment through a different site: Do not move to another site to process payment either, unless it is on the property's own site. Scammers have used services like Airbnb to request money since consumers trust these legitimate sites.
  • Affiliation with the University: They might try to claim affiliation with the University. While we are listing these properties near campus, we are not endorsing or having any affiliation with these rental properties. We do not participate in any transactions between landlords and renters, and we will never ask you for money to use our site or any of our services.
  • Dramatic landlord story: The scammer might tell you that they must rent the unit ASAP but will not offer you a tour of the property. They will force you to commit within 24 hours or someone else will sign the lease. If this is a legitimate property, the landlord will meet you in person and allow you to tour the property before asking for a deposit or signed lease to secure the rental. 
  • Can’t or won’t meet in person: The scammer tells you they are out of town or can't show you the property before you sign a lease. Don't trust this source. Legitimate leasers will be able to show you the property before asking for money.

Roommate Safety Tips:

  • Don’t use your full name online
  • Be mindful of the fact that unintended viewers may be able to easily view your information.
  • Keep in mind that viewers may be able to find information about you elsewhere, so check your privacy settings on other social media sites.
  • Be careful about displaying your age online
  • Don’t open strange messages or email attachments. Even if you know someone, sometimes their accounts can post things that they don’t want. If a post or message doesn’t look like it’s from your friend, it probably isn’t.
  • Arrange a phone conversation before meeting in person.
  • Meet in the daytime and at a public place where you feel comfortable - never meet at a place of residence.
  • Be prepared to adjust your meeting plan or abandon it altogether if you feel uncomfortable at any point.
  • Trust your instincts. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
  • Use other social sites or search engines to find out more about potential roommates. Check that their information is consistent across multiple sites.
  • Never give out banking information.
  • Be cautious of people who express a desire to rent/sublease your property without seeing it first.
  • Make sure that checks for the first month’s rent or utilities, etc. have cleared before processing refunds (e.g., someone sends you a $5,000 check to “secure” a rental and asks for $4,000 of it back)
  • If you suspect Internet fraud, contact the police department.