Beware of Manhattan Rental Scams!

If the rent or apartment seems to good to be true, it is likely a rental scam that could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

According to the New York Times, one of the most effective con game involves collecting nonrefundable application fees from prospective renters.

Fraudsters have the keys to a vacant apartment and hold an open house there, not intending to rent the unit to anyone. The rent seems ridiculously low, like a one-bedroom in the heart of Greenwich Village for $1,750 that should really be over $3,000. The fraudsters get dozens of application fees because everyone who sees it, wants it. Application fees could be $50 to $250, or even higher.