Be Careful Of Scams When Scouring The Internet For Apartment Rentals

Feb 24
11:48

2011

Bruce Garland

Bruce Garland

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The internet makes it easy to find an apartment to rent. Unfortunately, there are also dishonest people trying to scam money from unsuspecting users. Here are some things to watch out for.

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Those of you searching for Boston Luxury Apartments will find that there are plenty of choices out there.This is especially the case if you are browsing the internet to find a new apartment in Boston.You will likely find some high-quality Fenway Apartments that are available for rent right away.But there are certain things that you need to keep in mind when you use the internet to locate an apartment for rent.Lately,Be Careful Of Scams When Scouring The Internet For Apartment Rentals Articles there have been some online scams that target those looking for apartments.While the vast majority of offers you will find online are genuine, here are a few things to watch out for.Requests for personal information.Some identity thieves put up fake ads for apartments that simply do not exist.When contacted by people who are interested in renting the apartment, they then request personal information, such as a social security number, banking information, employment information, etc.under the false guise that they need to run a credit check to make sure that you qualify for the apartment.The information is then used for identity theft.While there are some legitimate building management companies that let you fill out a rental application directly on their website, you should make sure that the site is that of the actual owner or management company.A quick Google search can confirm this.Submitting your phone number, address and even email are ok but never disclose any financial information until you are sure that this is the correct person.Requests for advance payment or a deposit.When responding to an ad for Boston luxury apartments, fraudsters sometimes ask you to send them a deposit or a prepayment for the first months rent via a money transfer service.The problem is, the ad is bogus and the apartment in question doesnt exist.Scammers which post fake ads and pose as the building owner or their representative also try to lure you in by making claims such as: if you pay for the first three months rent now, we will give you two months of rent free, etc.They may also quote you prices that are below the average for the type of apartment and area, sometimes claiming that they are giving you a discount because you are so special to them.In any case, if you send them your money, they will quickly disappear and you will soon find out that the apartment in question never existed.Dont fall for this.All payments should be done in person in the rental office.No legitimate building owner or rental company will insist that you send them money in advance by a system like Western Union or Money Gram.Keep in mind that scammers often use pictures copied from other sites on the internet in their ads and some may even send you official looking (but bogus) documents to convince you to give over your information or money to them.How much do I need to invest? The minimum amount is $500,000 if the investment is made in a government approved regional center.This is an area which particularly needs funding due to factors such as high unemployment and underdevelopment.Otherwise, the minimum is $1M.What exactly is an considered as an investment under the program? If you want to receive a Green Card Visa under this program, there are certain rules with regards to the type of investment that you make.Some countries in Latin America or Eastern Europe will grant you residency if you just deposit a sufficient amount in a savings account at a local bank.This is not the case in the United States.Your investment must be made in a business venture that will actively stimulate the local economy and create full-time, permanent employment for people in the US.Passive investments, like buying bonds, certificates of deposit, or real estate does not count.Will this allow me to become an American citizen? Yes, pursuant to the same rules that apply to other citizenship applicants.The main one being that you must have lived in the United States for five years before you can apply to become a citizen of the United States.It is not a fast track or shortcut to citizenship.Furthermore, you are not obliged to become a citizen of the US after five years of continued residence.While citizenship has its advantages, similar to obtaining a US passport and being allowed to vote in federal elections, you can remain a green card visa holder as long as you want.Is there an English test that I need to pass? Am I required to have specific skills or certifications, such as a degree in business or experience with investments? No special skills with regards to work experience or education are required.There is no English test either, but it is always a good thing to have a solid understanding of the English language if you are hoping to relocate to the United StatesScience Articles, since it is needed to show that you have integrated in the country if you wish to obtain citizenship after residing in the US for 5 years.