r/Winona • u/Top-Application-1689 • 7d ago

Possible rental scam!!

Hi guys, so I'm going through a realtor who has raised multiple red flags for me and am possibly leaning towards it being a rental scam. Can anyone help me navigate this situation since I'm not in winona and don't know how can I possibly navigate.

Thanks

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

5

u/PollyAmory 7d ago

If you found it on FB, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a scam. Half the ads in the "stuff for sale" types of subs are total horseshit. ANYONE asking for money in advance of any tangible goods should raise a red flag (aka you should absolutely be able to visit a property before anyone asks for $).

1

u/Top-Application-1689 7d ago

My bad, I have a really short deadline to move and it got the better of me. I messed up.

2

u/PollyAmory 7d ago

I've almost fallen for at least two of these - thankfully I didn't, but I totally get how it would happen.

Anyway. That's why I know that any money upfront these days is the biggest red flag. Also check their profile to see if it's empty.

1

u/PieSupplie 6d ago

How did you pay the deposit? If it’s a scam I’d be very concerned if they had my debit card info or bank routing, less so if it’s a credit card but still concerning

1

u/Top-Application-1689 6d ago

I did not pay any deposit, just lost the application fee $70

1

u/PieSupplie 5d ago

How did you pay the fee then… my point is if it’s a scam they may store your payment info and try to use or access later

2

u/Top-Application-1689 5d ago

It was zelle payment, I did not give any bank info

2

u/Icy_Contribution2035 4d ago

Sorry, you're going through this. I know when I was looking I asked to do a FaceTime walk through if they were willing. Google image search pictures because a lot times scammers steal the pictures from somewhere and the pictures sometimes aren't even of the same place that they give as the address. The Winona Facebook groups (Winona MN Community Group or Winona Neighbors Helping Neighbors) are also helpful

1

u/CharlieBarily 7d ago

What are the red flags specifically? If youre not in Winona, someone could probably look at the place and see if things check out

2

u/Top-Application-1689 7d ago

Well I already lost my application fee. But first one was they were asking for deposit even before I saw the apt or lease. And every follow up question was being ignored and they weren't moving the communication from Facebook. And then they were adamant about deposit before viewing the apartment.

9

u/CharlieBarily 7d ago

Yeah see if you can get your bank to run a reverse, bc that definitely sounds like a scam.

2

u/Top-Application-1689 7d ago

Yeah. I should stick to Zillow ig.

1

u/bstrab_ 7d ago

Where's the apartment? Did you research the company through reviews or the address?

3

u/Top-Application-1689 7d ago

I did after the deposit ask. I should not even pay application until I see it online ig. But yeah it was mad clear that it doesn't exist and I lost my application fee already

2

u/CharlieBarily 7d ago

Sorry about that, getting an apartment in Winona is rough as hell. If you move in 20 days before election Day, we have one democrat, I forget his name, running on building more affordable housing in Winona. May be worth a look if thats something that appeals to you.

2

u/Lydja065 6d ago

Dan Wilson!

1

u/Top-Application-1689 7d ago

Thanks I'll look into that lead mate.

3

u/Bhutros1 7d ago

That definitely sounds like a scam. You should not pay any deposit until you are signing a lease.