Staying safe
Meet the property before you pay anyone.
Lintel does not check who publishes a listing. Most listers are who they say they are, but rental and sale scams are common everywhere. These habits protect you.
Warning signs
- The "owner" is overseas, on a mission, or otherwise cannot show you the property.
- You are asked to pay by wire transfer, gift cards, crypto or a payment app before you have seen the inside.
- The rent or price is far below similar homes nearby, and there is pressure to decide today.
- The listing's photos appear elsewhere under another name or address.
Before you pay
- See the property in person, inside, with the person you will pay.
- Check who owns it: county auditor and recorder records are public (in Cuyahoga County, the Fiscal Officer's property search).
- Get a written lease or purchase agreement, and pay by a traceable method.
- For a purchase, use a title company or real estate attorney to hold money and close.
If something is wrong
Use "Report this listing". If you lost money, contact your local police and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.