A Winkler individual who works with a segment of the vulnerable population is joining other agencies warning people to be aware of the real estate scam.
Levi Froese is the Portable Housing Benefit Coordinator for Eden Health Care Services. In his role, Froese works with clients connected with Eden to help them find affordable housing, help them maintain it, and work together with them and their landlord.
Unfortunately, Froese says he's discovered his clients are often targeted more often because of the desperate situations they find themselves in.
"They're some of the most generous, most tough people in our community," said Froese, referring to his clients. "And unfortunately (they) fall victim to the most stuff like this, so it's incredibly sad, and it's kind of why I wanted to talk about it."
Froese said by talking about it, he's hoping it can possibly help someone else from being victimized. "For those of us that have family or friends that are in a situation like that, just be involved in their life, know who they're talking to, know what they're looking at, that kind of stuff."
If you're in the middle of a tough situation, it can be really hard to recognize the signs of a scam, noted Froese. Getting another set of eyes on some of these situations, or an unbiased look at it can help spot a scam right away.
Very typically, Froese said the people who end up falling for this particular scam are looking for a pet-friendly rental. They are also seeking a unit that will cost only a maximum of $1000 a month.
"Unfortunately, those kinds of houses don't exist for rent where it's pet friendly, a large house for $1000, but that's what they're (renters) looking for. That's what they need."
Froese said the prospective renter will then create an online post detailing what they are looking for and how much they can pay each month. The scammers then use those postings to choose their target, and then proceed to contact them to offer a lease that's "too good to be true." They will often say they live out of town, and send pictures of an apartment or house they found online. The scammer will then request the damage deposit and half of the first month's rent. A pet-friendly rental will garner the scammer more cash as well.
If you're looking to rent, ideally Froese says you and the landlord should agree that you want the unit, then meet at the unit on the possession date where you hand over the cash for the damage deposit and the rent. The landlord should then give you the keys and do the walk-through inspection with you.
Even if you have a signed lease, Froese said that doesn't necessarily protect you.
Listen below to hear the full interview with Levi Froese.
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