Margaret R. Seaton 
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here’s how to make sure your dream apartment isn’t an illusion.
COLUMBIA, SC – As classes re-prepare at several universities in South Carolina, a state agency is warning students they could be targeted by scammers.
Specifically, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is asking students to beware of bogus rental ads and other means by which people may profit from rushed judgment.
Fortunately, the steps to spot a bogus rental are fairly straightforward and just involve doing a little research.
First, find out who owns the property and make sure they own it. Likewise, examining the background of the property can help determine if anything fishy is going on. And speaking directly to the person can also be a good way to spot a problem, as can asking for referrals.
Also, don’t take anyone’s word for the details of the contract. Get everything in writing. Even with all of this squared, don’t let your guard down completely. Be wary.
So you went through all these processes and are ready to put in some money? Consider paying by credit card in case the tenant turns out to be a con artist.
But one of the most important things to remember when looking for a potential new home, according to the SCDCA, is to remember the old adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” “.
And if you want to contact SCDCA directly to report something that doesn’t appear to be up to par, you can do so by visiting the agency’s website or calling 1-800-922-1594.
