With the current rental market in high gear, the number of available rentals are at an all time low. This makes for a VERY competitive market among those looking to rent and opens up an opportunity for those that are less than honest to take advantage of prospective renters who have a hard time finding a home.
When the rental inventory (available homes) is very low the home owners can be very picky about who they select for their homes because most rentals will have multiple applications as soon as they hit the market. This leaves those renters who have less than perfect credit, unverifiable income or a rental history that is not the greatest out in the cold.
Rental scam artists tend to focus their attention on this exact type of client. Make sure you arm your self with the best information available before you answer rental ads that may look too good to be true!
Here is a great article from The National Board of Realtors on questions you need to ask when looking for a rental:
http://homeownershipmatters.realtor/issues/looking-to-rent-5-questions-to-ask-to-avoid-a-scam/
Temecula CA Real Estate - Karen Totty Realtor