Battling Rental Scams Near Holloman AFB and Kirtland AFB: Tips to Protect Yourself

For years, we have been battling rental scams near Holloman AFB (Alamogordo) and Kirtland AFB (Albuquerque). Despite our efforts to report these scams and protect our military members, they keep popping up. It’s crucial to stay vigilant when viewing available homes online. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid falling victim to rental scams:

Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. Too Good to Be True: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts.

2. Listed for Rent and Sale: If a property is listed both for rent and for sale, be cautious—this is a major red flag.

3. Upfront Deposits: Never send a rental deposit before you have signed a lease. Scammers often ask for money upfront.

4. Refusal to Meet: If a landlord or management company refuses to meet you in person at the property, this is a significant warning sign.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Use Verified Rental Lists: Stick to our verified rental lists provided to the group for searching available rentals. These lists are curated to help you find legitimate options.

2. Ask the Community: Post the rental details in our Pay-it-Forward group to get feedback on whether it looks suspicious. Our community is here to help.

3. Meet in Person: Always meet the landlord in person or send a trusted friend to meet them. This helps confirm their legitimacy.

4. See the Property: Visit the property in person or have a friend do a walkthrough for you. Seeing is believing, and this step can help you avoid scams.

Hopefully, these tips will help protect you and your family. Rental scams are an unfortunate reality when moving out of the area and securing homes sight unseen. Stay cautious and informed to keep your move safe.

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