Avoid Money Scams

This is a variation of the cheque cashing scam, but applied specifically to landlords.

In essence the scammer offers to rent a place, generally for a short period of time but willing to pay for a full month.  I.e. they have a wedding or a vacation or similar and won’t need to spot for a long period of time but need it (usually on short notice) and are willing to pay any all extra costs.  Naturally the landlord agrees (who wouldn’t).

The scammer pays with a money order or cashier’s cheque.  However, after the cheque or moeny order arrives the scammer calls up and cancels the reservation.  I.e. the wedding has been called off or an illness prevents the vacation.  Because it is a money order, they ask that a portion of the cash be wired back to them, but agree to let the landlord keep a good portion to compensate them for their trouble.

Of course, the money order or cashier’s cheque turns out to be fraudulent.  Which leaves the landlord holding the bag for check fraud.