Fraud Prevention

Protect yourself from rental scams and fraud. Read this page to learn common warning signs.

For your safety, do not sign a lease unless provided directly by MainStreet Renewal. If anyone is trying to convince you otherwise, it could be a scam. Report all scams to MainStreet Renewal by completing this form.

Rental Scam Warning Signs

1
Listings on Social / Community Websites

If you see a MainStreet Renewal home on Craigslist, TikTok, or Facebook Marketplace, it is a scam.

2
Low Rents or Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

If the price is significantly below comparable homes in the market, it is probably a scam.

3
Accessing Home in Unsecure Ways

If you are asked to take the key with you or place the key anywhere other than the lockbox, it is a scam.

4
No Background or Credit Checks

If you are approved for a home without a credit and background check, it is a scam.

5
Overly Simple or Printed Leases

If you are asked to sign a paper lease, it is a scam.

6
Wire Payments or Suspicious Payment Platforms

If you are asked to transfer money via wire or prepaid gift cards; send a money order or digital gift card; or request funds through Zelle or a non-RentCafé payment app (such as Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, Apple Pay, and all others), it is a scam.

Other Signs to Watch Out For

Regarding Third-Party Landlords

  • MainStreet Renewal does not use third-party landlords.
  • MainStreet Renewal has property teams located in our local markets with additional support in Austin, TX.
  • Only MainStreet Renewal agents and representatives will reach out to you directly.
  • If you are contacted by a third-party landlord claiming they were hired by MainStreet Renewal, fired by MainStreet Renewal, or are currently “out of the country,” it is a scam.

Regarding Applications

  • You should only apply for a property directly through the MainStreet Renewal website.
  • While we do require a Social Security Number (SSN) for background checks and applications, we will never ask for your personal information, including your SSN or bank account information, via phone or email during the home searching process.

Regarding Wiring Funds

  • MainStreet Renewal will never ask you to transfer money via wire or prepaid gift cards; send a money order or digital gift card; or request funds through Zelle or a non-RentCafé payment app (such as Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, Apple Pay, and all others) on your mobile device under any circumstances.
  • MainStreet Renewal will never contact you via phone or email to make a payment outside of our Rent Café Applicant/Resident Portal.
  • We only accept payments through our RentCafé Applicant/Resident Portal or the RentCafé Resident app (a Yardi system) for both Apple and Google Pay.
  • If you ever encounter any payment issues within the RentCafé Applicant/Resident Portal, please contact MainStreet Renewal immediately.
  • If someone does contact you regarding any of the above, we want to know about it. Please notify us immediately by clicking here.

Regarding Touring

  • When touring a MainStreet Renewal home, be sure to look for the Fraud Alert: Renters Beware materials throughout the home for additional information about how to identify a scam and what to do if you believe you are the victim of a scam.

What to do if you believe you are the subject of a rental scam:

  • If you experienced a rental scam, stop communicating with the scammer immediately.
  • The longer you stay in contact with a scammer, the greater the risk.
  • Document your correspondence and report the scam to your local law enforcement.
  • Please keep us informed as well by emailing the MainStreet Renewal Scam Prevention team at scamprevention@msrenewal.com.
  • You can also visit our Contact Us page to notify your local MainStreet Renewal branch about the scam.
  • If you experienced a rental scam, stop communicating with the scammer immediately. We can’t stress this part enough. The longer you stay in contact with a scammer, the greater the risk.