1) Use the Northeastern’s Off-Campus Housing Database to find reputable listings from licensed realtors and local property owners. Not only will you save time, but you will be viewing listings from registered users and reputable companies near campus. If you choose to use other platforms, make sure to do your research with the additional steps below.

2) Know average rental costs. Unusually low rent is a potential sign of a scam. View Boston rental cost by neighborhood.

3) Confirm the apartment exists! See the apartment in-person, send a proxy, or do a live virtual tour. Scammers will avoid tours as they do not have a property that they will be able to show. Also, use the helpful links below to also confirm the apartments is real.

4) Confirm the realtor office location, phone number, and email and that they are in working order. These should also match the contact info that you have been using to get in touch with the realtor/broker. The links below also can help verify a realtors license. Do not share personal information with any parties until you are verified that they exist and are who you are talking to.

5) Details matter! Inquire about fees, due dates, contact information, and the application process. Scammers will often focus on getting your money and will lack many details of the process or not have an application process at all! Make sure to get everything in writing and use our Lease Genius page to double check the lease. The term “refundable” is almost never included in any part of the process. The only fee that is refundable is a deposit, should your rental application be denied.

6) Never wire money or use cash as a deposit or payment for the first and last month’s rent. Wiring money is the same as giving cash; you can’t get a refund, even if you find out the offer was a fraud. Avoid using Western Union, MoneyGram, etc. Use methods that can be tracked and protected. The most common and safest form of money transfer for deposits is a bank.

Boston Property Assessment will verify if the address you are looking at exists and who it is owned by.

RentSmart Boston is a free resource that compiles data from BOS:311 and the City’s Inspectional Services Division that lists previous issues with the property.

The Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons licenses qualified individuals, businesses, and schools who meet the requirements to engage in the practice of real estate brokering and sales in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

1. Get guidance from Northeastern. Contact Northastern University Police Department’s non-emergency line (617-373-2121) and Off Campus Engagement and Support (617-373-8480) to let us know you have experienced a rental scam. 
2. Report the scam to your state consumer protection office. If you lost money or other possessions in a scam, report it to your local police too.
3. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). FTC is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report the scam to the FTC online, or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, ET). The FTC accepts complaints about most scams.
4. Report fake websites, emails, malware, and other internet scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Some online scams start outside the United States. If you have been affected by an international scam, report it through econsumer.gov. Your report helps international consumer protection offices spot trends and prevent scams.

• Download the Northeastern SafeZone app to contact emergency services easily on and off campus.
• Practice ride share safety when using Uber, Lyft or other for-hire car/taxi services.
• Know your neighbors.
• If you decide to walk alone, especially at night, use well-lighted, familiar streets. Never take poorly lighted shortcuts through alleyways or wooded areas where someone may be hiding.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Plan your route and walk with confidence. Avoid wearing earbuds or talking on the phone.
• Fire escapes are to be used for emergency exit use only.
• If your apartment and/or building does not allow you access to a rooftop or deck, please respect this limitation. It is in place because those areas are not deemed safe for occupancy.

• Check the door locks to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Make sure your door has a deadbolt lock and a peephole.
• Become familiar with how your door locks operate, and remember to keep your door locked at all times.
• Whenever you leave your apartment, lock your door and take your keys.
• If you have a sliding glass door, place a wooden rod in the door so it can’t be opened from the outside.
• Immediately report all suspicious activity, strangers loitering in or near the building or behavior by other residents or tenants that you feel presents a safety or security risk.
• Make sure that you know who has the master keys — that is who has access to your building apartments.
• The mailboxes should be locked.
• Know who handles your maintenance (snow, trash, burned-out lights). Hazardous situations should be handled immediately.

Make sure your apartment is fire safe. Do you have working smoke alarms and two ways out? Take these 3 steps towards safety today:

1. Watch the #BestRoommatesEvah video here. Review fire safety tips and share with your friends and roommates.
2. Check your apartment using the Off Campus Housing Fire Safety Checklist.
3. Follow @campusfirewatch for a Fire Safety Tip each day!

Fire Safety Resources:

• Boston Fire Safety Website – City of Boston Fire Prevention
• Safe Cooking Guidelines. – Avoid kitchen fires
• College Student Fire Safety Tip Sheet
• Rental Insurance – Protect your belongings!

Northeastern University Police Department – Find phone numbers, services and additional safety tips. Dial 617-373-3333 for on campus emergencies (617-373-2121 for information).

Boston Police Department – View police blog, safety tips and contact information. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

• BPD Home Safety Tips
• BPD Package Delivery Tips

Transit Police – Policies, laws, and contact information. Dial 617-222-1212.