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Rental Listings
Avoiding Scams and Spam
ALERT: The Off-Campus Housing Website is not a
secured site. It is not password protected. Here are some tips
to avoid scams and spam:
Make sure this does
not happen to you as an owner or tenant.
Don't get SCAMMED, learn more: Be aware that this site
is not password protected. If you sense a problem with a
respondent, check out the scam alerts. You can find information
about scam alerts at
this website. To get free information on consumer issues,
visit the Federal Trade
Commission website or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY:
1-866-653-4261.
Be aware of PHISHING scams: Phishing is an attempt to gain
access to personal data by deceptively and illegally soliciting information,
including passwords, user names, and financial information from those believing
they are sending it to a legitimate organization. Some phishing schemes may look
genuine, but are not. If you believe you may have been the victim of a phishing
scheme or other Internet crime, report it to the
Internet Crime Compliant Center
and immediately reset any passwords which may have been
compromised.
Avoiding Scams
- NEVER return money without making sure the prospective
tenant’s check clears first. Learn more about
check
overpayment scams >
- Ask for some form of verification – for example, a
reference from a faculty or staff member at Tufts
University. Contact that Tufts University representative
directly.
- For more information on scams, view FTC website
for more
consumer information: or call toll-free,
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.
Avoiding Spam
- If you post your email address as your contact
information, mask your email to deter spambots. For example,
"ochattufts.edu" or "och@tuftsdotedu" as opposed to
"och@tufts.edu". Include this as part of the listing you are
sending to us.
- When listing with us, use a separate email address for
things like spam, mailing lists, etc. If you don’t already
have a separate email address, create one to use for public
posting.
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