I'm moving to the US from abroad for a few months and trying to secure a room in a shared apartment before I arrive. Since I can't view places in person, I'm worried about scams. Some people are asking for application fees and deposits via Zelle or Venmo. Is it safe to pay this way if a lease is signed, or is this a scam? How can I protect myself?
It is not safe to pay a deposit this way before you arrive, even with a signed lease. Scammers use fake leases to steal your money, and once you send it, you probably cannot get it back.
You can protect yourself by keeping your money until you get here. The official Federal Trade Commission rule is simple: if you cannot see the apartment or sign a lease in person before you pay, keep looking.
