Rental Fraud Alert - Texas - Luz Astacio, 512-222-6876
Posted by Ali Palacios
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Rental Fraud Alert: This fraud occurred in Cypress Texas but I found others outside if Texas that have been contacted by these same scammers!
I know I have brought this up before but it's worth mentioning again. There are many rental scammers out there and people fall for it every day.
I had a former client rent a home on their own. The offer they received was too good to be true (that's always a sign). They paid their security deposit and 1st months rent. They were emailed a contract (not a Texas lease) which everyone signed. It all seemed legit. They were given the combination to a lockbox that was on the door that contains the keys. They moved in and shortly after were asked for $1000 to pay property taxes (red flag!).They sent the funds and then they called me.
Unfortunately it took me 5 minutes to realize that they had been scammed. The home is actively on the market for $2550 (their rent was $1200) and the owners listed on the contract provided are not the owners of the home.
This scammer had somehow gotten the combo for the lockbox and was able to get them the keys. Normally the scammer will tell you that they will mail you the keys once they get their funds; which of course never happens.
This is an all too common fraud. Normally it doesn't cost you anything to work with a Realtor to find a home. We are here to help you through the process and check for red flags.
In the mean time if you get a call or email from the following scammer please do not proceed to rent the property. The numbers can't be traced because they are google numbers. The person will never meet you in person. They will usually call, text or email.
Luz and Venessa Bolts
Luz Astacio
astacio-lu@hotmail-com
luz.astacio@outlook.com
512-222-6876
716-539-9336
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the HRIS.
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