Higher Tri-Cities rents have become the norm. A current report from ATTOM Data Solutions, a national provider of real estate research, says 3-bedroom homes in Sullivan and Washington counties are renting for $1,900 and up. Apartment.com and Apartment List report the rent range for 2-bedroom apartments in the region at $1,400 to $1,500 with some options for $1,100 a month. And 1-bedroom apartments are going for $800 to $1,400 a month.

 Another facet of the rental market that is up, but not reported as much, is scams.

 Using this space to shine a spotlight on rental scams has become a staple for the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors® (NETAR). Consumers are urged to be extra careful when shopping for a rental, especially when shopping online. Scams have increased because of the housing shortage, and a growing consumer preference for rentals has driven demand for apartments and single-family rentals to new highs.

Some of the crunch has eased with more competition, and both local and out of area investors are maneuvering to build more rental inventory. Local builders who have “build-to-rent” developments are also busy.

Everyone in the real estate industry has reacted to the new rental demand. That includes con artists.

Ground zero is any of the popular websites where consumers can scroll for deals and scammers troll for the unwary. We’ve all heard the advice that “if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” It’s something some local consumers have firsthand knowledge about.

At one time scammers favored Craigslist to ply their trade. Today much of it has migrated to Facebook Marketplace and other groups. Legitimate landlords and some agents also like these sites because of the traffic volume. It’s also a way to trim marketing expenses, and these sites have a reputation as a place to score a good deal or be snared by a scam.

When responding to internet rental ads, there are red flags that should send savvy consumers scurrying for the exit.

One of the current tactics making the rounds is the scammers poach Realtors® listing photos and even offer to meet at the property. But they will ask for a deposit to hold the reservation or say an application is required before they can show it. The monthly amount is always considerably lower than other similar properties.

Another tactic is the fake landlord apologizing in an email or a call that he or she has been unexpectedly called out of town and can’t show the property. However, an appointment with a third-party agent can be arranged if the consumer makes an upfront deposit.

There are also cases where an upfront rental agreement is required.

Another phishing tactic requires the consumer to provide personal information like a driver’s license number, social security number, a credit card, or even bank information before an application can be processed and a walk-through planned.

Either situation is almost a guarantee that the listing is a scam and the person at the other end of the ad is there to steal your money or identity.

Increasing local rental scams and identifying theft efforts via rental applications are the primary reasons consumers should partner with a professional Realtor® before any money or personal information is provided for a real estate transaction. Realtors® are professionals who adhere to a code of ethics and use the Internet for legitimate business. Scammers use the Internet as a fast lane to steal unsuspecting consumers’ money and/or identity.