Unemployment scams have been extremely common. How can you spot a scam? Monitor your mail closely - if you get correspondence about unemployment benefits that you *haven't* requested, there's a chance someone may have filed using your information. If you think this may have occurred, we recommend taking these steps: 

• Notify your employer's Human Resources team Report the fraud to the Colorado. Department of Labor at https://cdle.colorado.gov/fraud-prevention 
• Report the identity theft online at www.identitytheft.gov 
• Monitor credit reports, bank accounts, and other financial accounts for unusual activity. 
• File a police report *IF* you've had any actual financial losses related to a scam or fraud situation.
• Protect your personal and financial information by always using strong passwords and secure transaction platforms.

You begin an online relationship, and then your online suitor asks for money to pay for a financial hardship, business investment, or even transportation to visit you. These people are devious and will carry on the relationship for weeks or months at a time. They look for vulnerable victims, such as those who have recently lost a spouse. Those who truly care about you won’t coerce you to part with your hard-earned money. Speak with a trusted friend or family member, or the police, to help you determine if the relationship is legitimate.

FCPS has investigated many reports of people being scammed of rental properties through online services.

The Coronavirus pandemic has created unique challenges and difficulties in the housing industry. Governor Jared Polis and some federal guidelines have mandated to the end of the year 2020 that no eviction action may be processed due to non-payment. Many will find themselves scrambling in fear of what their future holds when funding assistance is no longer available.

Fear of being kicked out for non-payment, coupled with the limitations of earned income and budget restraints, moves most to solely search through online services. Their endeavors come with a blind expectation that they will be treated with honesty, integrity, and fairness. Taking advantage of renters is perpetuated more often when the consumer is less informed about deceptive practices.

The following considerations may prove useful in the search to avoid being a victim of a housing-scam:

HOUSING CONSIDERATIONS

• Affordability – living within means
• Safe neighborhood and friendly neighbors
• Schools for children – possibly within walking distance from home
• College students – close to campus
• Seniors - close to grocery stores, medical needs, public transportation

BE AWARE OF THIS SCAM BEHAVIOR 

• Postings for affordability (be wary of an advertised amount anywhere under or close to one thousand dollars)
• Know that housing averages in Fort Collins is slightly higher than $1,000 for a studio, $1,133 for a one bedroom, $1,222 for a two bedroom, and $1,500 to much higher ($2,250) for larger accommodations
• Keys offered to be released by appointment at the house - generally a “no show” situation'
• The security deposit and/or first month’s rent payment by Zelle (instant money transfer), Venmo (money transfer app), and PayPal (a familiar and established account).
• Owner claims to be out-of-state on business; cannot meet immediately

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

• Check property ownership for a name match (website for Larimer County)
• Generic contract (read the fine print)
• Ask to view the property for walk-in inspection; huge red flag is a “no can do” attitude for any reason
• No matter how many pages of lease agreements, signature requests, photos of a beautiful and inviting house, always recognize those may be stolen or edited from legitimate real estate listings
• Don’t feel pressured by the statement that someone else is looking and just as interested, which creates a rushed deadline for an answer
• Use caution with any request for e-mailed photos of driver license, adult identification, Social Security Number, W-2 for confirmation of income, and other forms of ID that may lead to future identity theft
• Property Management venues – try to deal with one person consistently

RESOURCES

Property ownership – www.larimer.org/property-taxes
Complaints about property management companies – info@wynco.bbb.org
Internet Crime Complaint Center – www.IC3.gov

You receive a pop-up notification on your computer, or an email or phone call telling you that your account has been hacked. The sender claims to offer technical assistance and asks for login information for your computer or your financial accounts. This is a scam! The sender will use the information to lock down your computer and accounts in exchange for a ransom payment, or to conduct fraudulent transactions on your account.

Requests for technical assistance should only be initiated by you, and an official technical support person will never request your login information or financial credentials. Speak with a tech-savvy friend or family member and contact the police if you have responded to one of these notifications.

Thieves will ask to send you a large sum of money. All you have to do is send the money along to someone else, and they will let you keep a small amount for your trouble. This may even be in relation to an item you posted for sale. Scam Alert! The fraudulent payment will eventually bounce, leaving your account overdrawn.

Never accept money in an amount greater than the agreed upon price, and never agree to send money along in exchange for a small payment to yourself.

You respond to an online advertisement for an amazing employment opportunity, but it is too good to be true. Scammers will ask for your personal and financial information, and may even ask you to send them payment for employment costs. These thieves target those who are desperate for jobs. Online resources such as the Colorado Secretary of State website can help verify employers. 

Remember that if someone wants you to work for them, they will pay you, not the other way around! Never send a down payment or deposit without receiving a tour of the inside of the home first. If something seems off about the job or house, it probably isn’t legitimate.

A caller impersonates a distant family member or friend who had an emergency and needs money for bail, to pay for damages after an accident, or to get transportation home. The caller may ask you not to tell anyone so they don’t get in any trouble. Don’t fall for it! Hang up and contact family or friends to determine if you know someone who actually needs help. This is likely just a scam from someone trying to take advantage of you!