(US) Rental scam application fees
The background:
Disabled sister-in law is looking for a rental. I get home from work and husband asks me to fill out this "pre screen for her." I was told it would go pre screen -> tour -> application with application fee.
The pre screen questions were mostly basic: name, move in date, car, pets. Until I get to the ones on picture 2.
Transcript of picture 2:
"How soon are you paying rent?"
"How soon do you want to get the keys?"
Followed by how they want the $60 "refundable" application fee (cash app, venmo, zelle, applepay)
Submitted it and message the guy who responds almost instantly wanting to send the "cash app detail" (picture 1). I felt like that and the stupid sounding questions were weird.
Scroll up in the chat and see sister had forwarded this information through a screenshot of her Facebook message chat.
So I try to find the rental on Facebook myself..cant. Try to find it on zillow, rentalscom, etc...cant. husband attempts to call number and it doesnt exist. I'd say I am about 90% sure its a scam
Turns out husband did drive by the apartments but didn't question anything further.