Dear users,

Roompals.com would like to inform you about a scam that could be perpetrated on this website via counterfeit cashier’s checks and money transfers.
The people involved in the scam are mostly foreign and (many of them) claim to be in or from Africa. After sending you an overpayment via a cashier’s check for a rent deposit, they will ask you for a partial refund (the overpayment minus the deposit). Then, once the money has been refunded, the victim finds that the cashier’s check was counterfeit. Please, be very careful when you receive deposits. Think twice when someone writes you a check and then asks you for a refund. You will need to call your bank to make sure that the funds are securely in your account before returning payment.

If you think that you are being scammed by one of our members, please contact us with the username of the potential scammer(s)

Tips: How to avoid a fake roommate?
1/ If the deal looks fishy, it probably is...
2/ If you have a place for rent and the rent amount is $500 a month, never accept a transaction that is more than you asked for. Scammers use fake checks, cards, and money orders. DO NOT REFUND MONEY THAT HAS NOT CLEARED INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT If it looks to good too be true, once again, it probably is...
3/ Verify your potential roommate's credentials. Do not trust people you do not know. Is it a student roommate? Call the school and verify... One is never too cautious.
4/ NEVER PUT YOURSELF IN A SITUATION WHERE YOU MUST REFUND AN OVER-PAYMENT. INSIST ON GETTING THE EXACT AMOUNT!