Property Management – Granada Hills

Landlords and Property Managers Beware of Rent Check Scams

I am sure you are well aware of the recent increase in fraudulent claims and Internet scams. It was only a matter of time before landlords would be affected. The United States Postal Inspector recently warned property owners to be cautious when answering prospective tenants who respond to online rental advertisements from overseas.These scam artists will ask to pay the deposit with a cashier’s check, money order or some other form of paper tender; in many cases asking to pay several months in advance plus administrative fees. The scammers may also say it’s too complicated to send you the money directly, so they’ll arrange for someone in the United States to send you a check.These above mentioned payments may look real, however, are in fact fake. Bank Tellers may even be fooled, as the checks are made to mislead. The companies names who appear on the check may be real, dummied up to fool even savvy investors. They may come in the form of phony cashiers checks, or may appear to be from legitimate business accounts.Under federal law, banks must make deposited funds readily available, usually within one to five business days. However, this does not mean the check has cleared and the funds are available. Please be aware that it may take weeks for the check to bounce and for the forgery to be discovered.The scammer will then ask the landlord to wire back part of the money, usually the “administrative fee or costs” or ask that the entire amount be returned by giving a reason that they may not take possession of the unit. After the landlord returns some or all of the money, the check is then found to be fraudulent. These con-artists are most often from foreign countries and very hard to track down. This scam has also taken place via the telephone.Here are some tips to steer clear of these scammers:1. Always request a face to face meeting with any prospective tenant.
2. Upon accepting any tender, unless cash; make sure that you wait for the check to clear and allow an extra 10 days.
3. Conduct thorough background checks.
4. “If it seems too good to be true, it is!If you happen to become a victim of one of these scams, report it to the Post Office Inspector General http://www.uspsoig.gov/ and The FBI-Internet Fraud Unit, http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/internetschemes.htmSince 1946 the Carnahan name has had a reputation for honest and ethical Real Estate Property Management services in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank/Glendale, Los Angeles, Westside and Conejo Valley areas.

The reason for Carnahan Property Management’s success is helping owners like you when they need it. Below is a partial list of property management services we provide to help you protect your real estate investment.

• Tenant placement
• Tenant screening (including: credit check, landlord and employment verification, social security trace report, california eviction check and criminal check)
• Regular property inspections
• Accounting and landlord bill payment
• Monthly financial reporting
• Maintenance service and supervision (we use only proven independent vendors)
• Collections
• Evictions
• We supply all the necessary forms to meet California’s Landlord/Tenant laws
• 24 hour emergency phone service
• Advertising to the broadest tenant base possible

Call or e-mail us today for more information. We’re ready to get started!

 

 

Carnahan Property Management services Woodland Hills,West Hills, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Tarzana, Reseda, Topanga, Encino, Northridge, Van Nuys,North Hills,Chatsworth, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, San Fernando, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Simi Valley, West Lake Village, Agoura,Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Burbank. Call us at (818) 884-1500 and check if we can service your area.