We have been made aware of an ongoing scam involving individuals pretending to represent our company. Please be vigilant and follow the guidelines below to ensure your safety and security:
Our company will always provide detailed information about the property you are interested in renting. If you do not receive this information, you may be dealing with a scammer.
The official marketer for our company is Din Alpante. If anyone else contacts you claiming to work for us, please do not engage and report interaction immediately.
We would NEVER ask for any form of payment (including gift cards, PayPal, Cash App, etc.) before you go through our rental application process, which includes completing the application form, viewing the property, undergoing a background check and signing the lease agreement.
If you encounter any suspicious activity or have concerns, please contact us directly through our official channels.
Furthermore here is a comprehensive guide on discerning authentic property management agents from fraudulent ones:
a. Verify Licensing and Insurance: Genuine property management companies usually hold valid licenses and insurance.
b. Scrutinize Online Reviews: Online reviews from previous clients can shed light on a company's reputation. However, be skeptical of excessively positive or negative reviews as they could be fabricated.
c. Engage in Direct Communication: Make sure to communicate directly with the property owner or property management company. Be cautious of intermediaries claiming to represent the owner but failing to provide verifiable information. For example, if an agent cannot provide a business card or refuses to meet at their office, it could be a red flag.
d. Insist of Physical Verification: Always visit the property in person before making any commitments. This is why we encourage potential tenants to be available for viewing. If you're unable to do so, consider asking a trusted local contact to inspect the property on your behalf. This can prevent scams where fraudsters rent out properties they don't own.
e. Cross-Reference the Listing: Conduct thorough research on the property and cross-check the details with multiple reliable sources. If you find the same property listed at different prices on various platforms, it could be a scam.
f. Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid wire transfers or cash payments, as these are hard to trace and recover. Instead, opt for secure payment methods that provide transaction records, such as credit cards or checks. We do have a PAD form which is then connected to our Building Stack system, this way rent is deducted monthly straight from your bank account securely.
g. Beware of Pressure Tactics: If the agent is pressuring you to sign a contract or make payment immediately, take a step back and reassess the situation. Legitimate agents will give you time to make an informed decision. In JDE Property Management, you are sent an email with our template that has attached lease and schedule B as well as a PAD form depending on the property you rent. We also give you at least 24 hours to send your security deposit. All instructions are laid out in the welcome email we send you.
h. Too Good to Be True: If a deal appears overly favorable, it's likely a scam. Scammers often lure unsuspecting renters with significantly lower prices. For example, a luxury apartment listed at a surprisingly low price should raise suspicion.
Adhering to these steps, you can safeguard yourself from potential scams and ensure that you're dealing with a legitimate property management agent. Remember, due diligence is your strongest shield against fraud in the real estate market.
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