Q: "I recently met with a guy (who told me he was a broker) who showed me an apartment after calling on a craiglist ad. He told me that in order for me to hold the apartment, I needed to give him a $100 security check, copies of my passport, student visa, DS form, I-20, and enrollment letters from NYU. After that I tried to set up another meeting with him but he kept giving me excuses of why we could not meet. Finally I called the number for the company that was on the receipt that he gave me, and the secretary told me that this company did not rent apartments. I am worried that the man who was acting as a broker can now use my documents of identification for other purposes, such as ID theft? I think I've been scammed!"
-Lucy
A: Unfortunately this scenario occurs far too often in New York's rental market. From the events that are described, the situation appears to have been a scam. Sometimes the motive is to get as much money as the victim can be tricked into handing over. We have seen and heard of people who lose much more than $100. Though our office has not experienced ID Theft occurring from apartment rental scams, , there's enough reason to be concerned... A stranger having so many sensitive documents, in particular - a passport, is not a good thing.
skilled identity thieves use a variety of ways to gain access to your personal information. They may get your information while on their job by stealing it, bribing an employee who has access to these records; hacking the website, through email or the phone by saying they’re from a legitimate company and claiming that you have a problem with your account. It is also possible for thieves to get your credit/debit card numbers by capturing the information in a data storage device, this is known as “skimming”. They swipe your card for an actual purchase, or attach a device to an ATM machine where they may enter or swipe your card. They may get your credit reports by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legal right to your report. However there are other less sophisticated ways of obtaining information like they may steal your wallet or purse, rummage through your trash, the trash of businesses, or public trash dumps in a practice known as “dumpster diving”.
Once a thief has that information, credit card, passport, identification, social security number, it can be used without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. With your information they may open new credit card accounts in your name or call your credit card issuer and change the billing address on your account to there address, then run up charges on your account; because the bills are being sent to a different address, you may not realize there’s a problem. When they use the credit cards and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent accounts are reported on your credit report. These crimes could even result in criminal charges on your name because the thieves may get identification such as a driver’s license issued with their picture, in your name, with identification they can get a job, apply for a loan, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name, then give your name to the police during an arrest. If they don’t show up for the court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.
Identity Theft Victim: What to do?
If you’ve lost personal information or identification, or if it has been stolen from you, you can minimize the potential for identity theft if you act quickly. First close accounts, like credit card and bank accounts, immediately. When you open new accounts, place passwords new/different passwords on them. Avoid using your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SSN, your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers, anything that may be easy to guess. Next call the toll-free fraud number of any of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies and place an initial fraud alert on your credit reports, this alert can help stop someone from opening new credit accounts in your name. Also contact the agency that issued the license or other identification document, for example the DMV and Office of Social Security. As an international student, contacting your consulate (embassy) to notify them of the theft. Follow its procedures to cancel the document and to get a replacement. Ask the agency to flag your file so that no one else can get a license or any other identification document from them in your name. Finally if your information has been misused, file a report about the theft with the police, and file a complaint with the FTC, as well. If another crime was committed, for example, if your purse or wallet was stolen, your house or car was broken into, report it to the police immediately.
Did you know?
You can verify both the license status of the agent and the company at the Department of State
Also sales agents are required by law to carry a copy of their pocket license with them at all times. Ask to see it!!!
Some additional tips on avoiding apartment scams from NY Habitat.
How do I detect a Scam?
Is there a legitimate company name on the contract that you can investigate further?: We have seen many fake contracts with “company names” like “Charming and Cozy Apartment in Time Square” or “1br-Beautiful Option for Hotels”. Those are not business names; they are lifted straight out of a rental ad!
You are receiving communications from multiple email addresses or names: If the email address contains a company domain name (the part just after the @ symbol in the email) you can look up the company to get more information on them.
There are errors in the rental dates or prices quoted: Most scammers cannot be bothered to take the time to change the details for every scam or they are scamming so many people that they become confused themselves. That is a major red flag!
The directions to the apartment don’t make sense: Google Maps the address and see if the directions you have been given are legitimate. Many scammers don’t know the area and have no idea how to get to the apartment. A legitimate rental agency or broker will know the best way to get to the apartments they are listing.
Always Google the address!
You never know what you will find, but in doing this we have seen commercial building addresses come up and you cannot rent an apartment in an office building. Also you can find news and current reviews about the apartment and the area, for example articles about the buildings past history as a drug den, and also the actual rent of the apartment, in which the scammer may deflate/ make more appealing.
The wording of the contract or communication from the agent or company is awkward or has spelling or grammatical mistakes: It may also have numerous repetitions or contradictions within it. Legitimate companies and brokers will have professionals reviewing their contracts to make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
Can you prevent an identity theft?
As with any crime, you cannot completely control whether you will become a victim. But according to the MSN Money , you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information cautiously. Treat your mail and trash carefully, tear up or shred important documents with personal information on it. Deposit your outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox. When receiving mail promptly remove it from your mailbox and f you’re planning to be away from home and can’t pick up your mail, contact the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 to request a vacation hold. Don’t carry your SSN card in your wallet; store it in a secure place. Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers. Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you’ll actually need when you go out. If your wallet is stolen, or if you lose it, report it immediately to the card issuers and the local police.
In this new technological age stealing information online is also a threat. When using the internet do not open files sent to you by strangers, click on hyperlinks, or download programs from people or companies you don’t know. Be cautious about using file-sharing programs because opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus or a program known as “spyware” which could capture your passwords or any other information as you type it into your keyboard.
Now Test your Knowledge!!!
This game is from OnGuardOnline.gov/, an interactive website that provides pratical tips rom the federal government and technology indusrt to guard against fraud. Use this link if you cannot see the ID Theft FaceOff Game!
Consultation Services
For assistance or referrals regarding off-campus concerns (housing search strategies, landlord/tenant conflicts, short term options, listing and availability, etc.) NYU students may schedule a consultation appointment by contacting the Off-Campus Housing Office by telephone, 212-998-4620 or via email, offcampus.housing@nyu.edu
Listings => DIRECT!
New York University affiliates may also register for our Listings => DIRECT! service by sending an e-mail request. Participants of this service
receive recently approved listings from within the Off-Campus Housing Registry - via e-mail. The service is available exclusively to the NYU community, and distribution is available to NYU e-mail addresses ONLY. If you unable to access your NYU e-mail account, make sure to contact ITS to activate it. Information about eligibility for NYU Home accounts is available at www.nyu.edu/its/students. You may also contact the Off-Campus Housing Office at (212)
998-4620 or offcampus.housing@nyu.edu for additional information.
The term for this service is two months. If, after the two month term, you have not found an apartment or wish to continue receiving listings, you may renew your registration by contacting the Off Campus Housing Office.
Broker Discount
Contact
Contact The Off-Campus Housing Office at (212) 998-4620 for more information.
New York University has a cooperative relationship with Citi Habitats Relocation which offers a discounted broker commission to the NYU community. To access the Citi Habitats Relocation program, you must register through the Off-Campus Housing Office. Discounts cannot be guaranteed if you contact Citi Habitats directly.
The Citi-Habitats program is one option available to NYU students. NYU students are free to use any real estate brokerage they choose.
The Off Campus Housing Office provides assistance to current and newly admitted NYU students, faculty, and staff (including those with families or non-student roommates) who are not eligible for or not interested in NYU student housing, and are seeking private off campus apartments for rental or purchase. Off-Campus Housing is dedicated to the successful transition of New York University affiliates and to being an abundant resource of information, guidance, and services.
Please note: If you do not wish to continue receiving the Off-Campus Update, please reply to this email by typing "Please Remove" in the subject box, and you will be removed from our mailing list.
