Description

I came across this listing on apartment list recently. I sent an email interested in applying for this apartment that was listed as a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom utilities included apartment for $2000. I instantly got an email in regards to this listing with an application form to apply. I apply and send over the application immediately. I got an email back stating I was approved and the next step was to sign the lease and process payment for first month’s rent and deposit. I was informed to send over the payment through Zelle or wire transfer. I sent over the $4000 payment through wire transfer thinking that was the last step onto receiving my keys to the apartment. I then get another email stating they needed an extra $2000 for last month’s rent which i know most properties require, so I sent that over again through wire transfer. They state through email and text message that would be the last payment. I then later get another email the next day telling me I have to put down another $3000 due to me being a first time renter and credit score. They told me that would get applied to next two months rent so I sent that over. They stated that would be the very LAST payment and once’s processed I can come to the property and pick up my keys. After that wire transfer processes and is received, I get another email from them that didn’t feel right at all and knew something was up. Then the day before I am supposed to receive my keys I get an email stating: Payment has been received. I’ll attach your receipts below for your records. There was a miscommunication in my earlier email regarding the $3,000 payment, as this was not the final payment. Terri recently found out that the previous tenant had not been paying the electricity bills, which resulted in the electricity being disconnected just yesterday. Therefore, the outstanding electricity payment needs to be addressed. Additionally, the credit limit mentioned earlier was an additional 4–6 months. The owner would like to use part of the payment to take care of the outstanding balance today. As a result, the owner is requesting an additional four months’ rent which is $8,000 Because of the inconvenience caused, as well as the credit score concerns, the owner has confirmed that this will be the last additional payment you will be required to make. Your next rent payment will be due on April 1st 2027. However, instead of paying the full monthly rent, you will only be required to pay $1,000 for April as compensation for the inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Best regards, Austin That was the last straw for me after that email because I know landlords cannot legally do that. They’ve tried to keep switching up the story on why I need to pay that much and that’s when I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I got in contact with a friend that is a realtor and I break the whole situation down to her and she then says to stop communication and report this. This listing is a scam on apartment list that is not to be trusted. This all resulted to me getting scammed out of $9000 dollars.