The Federal Trade Commission has issued a notice to raise awareness of a scheme that is targeting renters. The Michigan Office of the Attorney General is asking those who are having trouble paying their rent not to fall prey to identity thieves.
The tactics of the scammers include gathering a lot of personal and financial information and asking for an up-front fee while they resolve your rent problems. The Attorney General recommends that renters who are having a hard time paying rent first take up the problem with their landlord.
There are some local programs, such as through Blue Water Community Action or the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, that can help with emergencies and keep people from being evicted.
Kelly Rose, Michigan State Housing Development Authority chief housing solutions officer said, “Once the Legislature appropriates the emergency rental assistance funds, we are ready and will move swiftly to assist renters and landlords in need. Renters should avoid further financial risk by falling for scams. A legitimate program that can help is on the way.”
Avoid scammers offering to pay your rent | FTC Consumer Information
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
