How to Avoid Being Scammed on SpareRoom
If you’re in need of a new place to live, SpareRoom can be a great resource. It’s easy to use, and there are plenty of listings to choose from. However, like any website where people can sell or rent things, there is a risk of being scammed. Here are some tips on how to avoid being scammed on SpareRoom.Trusting a Third Party to Check the Room for You
One of the biggest challenges with finding a place to live on SpareRoom is that you may be in a different city, state, or even country from the room you’re interested in. In situations like this, it’s important to enlist the help of someone local to check the place out for you. This can be a friend, family member, or even a professional inspector. It’s important to find someone you trust, as they’ll be acting on your behalf. When working with a third party, be sure to communicate your expectations and requirements clearly.Avoid Using Western Union for Payment
Another red flag to watch out for is any request to send payment via Western Union. This is a popular method for scammers because the payments are irreversible, and they can be picked up at any location with no ID required. If you’re asked to use Western Union, it’s a major red flag. Legitimate landlords or tenants will typically accept payment through a secure website or a standard bank transfer.Inspect the Room before Giving Any Money Away
Before you hand over any money, it’s important to actually see the room you’ll be renting. Be wary of any offers where the landlord or tenant insists on being paid before you see the room. This is a major red flag that they may be trying to scam you. If you’re unable to see it yourself, enlist the help of someone you trust to look at it for you. Only give money away once you’re confident the listing is legitimate.- Check for actual photos of the rental and look for consistency in photos
- Make sure the location is legitimate and research it online
- Verify the price range of similar rentals and consider it