Avoid Scams and Fraud

AVOIDING SCAMS & RENTAL FRAUD

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Protect Yourself When Searching for a Rental

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Searching for a home online is convenient — but it also means you must stay alert to potential scams. Awayish works hard to promote safe, accurate information and provide a trustworthy experience for renters, but scammers target every corner of the rental industry.

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We encourage you to read the following guidance carefully and stay vigilant throughout your rental journey.

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HOW AWAYISH HELPS PROTECT RENTERS

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While Awayish is not involved in lease transactions and does not collect deposits or hold payments, we actively work to keep our platform secure:

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• We only share your MatchPass™ summary with a landlord after you express interest.

• We verify the identity of property managers and landlords who subscribe to our platform.

• We promptly review and remove suspicious activity reported by renters.

• We cooperate fully with law enforcement in fraud investigations.

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COMMON RENTAL SCAM RED FLAGS

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Scammers follow patterns. If you encounter any of the following, proceed with caution:

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• Rent far below market value.

• Requests to wire money or send funds through apps such as Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle,

• Cash App, Bitcoin, or prepaid gift cards.

• Requests to use a “third-party service” for payment (Airbnb, HomeAway, escrow services, etc.).

• Emotional stories (overseas deployment, family emergency, urgent move) used to create pressure.

• Refusal to meet in person or show the property.

• Pressure to pay before viewing the home.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

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• Always view the property before sending ANY money.

• Verify the property manager’s identity on the official building or company website.

• Never send money to individuals overseas or outside your state.

• Request a written lease before paying any deposit.

• Trust your instincts — hesitation or discomfort is a warning sign.

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REPORT SCAMS IMMEDIATELY

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If you encounter suspicious behavior, report it as soon as possible.

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Report to Awayish:

Legal@awayish.com

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Report to local authorities:

Contact your local police department’s non-emergency line.

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National agencies:

• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov

• If money was sent through transfer services:

• Contact Western Union or MoneyGram fraud hotlines immediately — they may be able to stop the transfer.

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EXAMPLES OF COMMON SCAM MESSAGES

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• “I mailed you the keys — send the deposit so I can release the package.”

• “My attorney has already prepared the lease; you just need to send payment.”

• “Customs is holding the keys unless you pay the release fee.”

• “I’m working overseas / deployed / in a crisis and can’t meet — but you can move in immediately.”

• ANY request for payment before viewing the home.

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AWAYISH SAFETY REMINDER

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Awayish will never:

• Ask you to send money for a rental.

• Handle rental payments or deposits.

• Guarantee approval for any property.

• Send or receive keys.

• Participate in lease negotiations or payments.

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If someone claims to represent Awayish and requests money, report it immediately.