Avoiding & Stopping Scams

Scams and fraud cost Vermonters hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Scammers use every tool available to steal money and information from consumers. 

As you search for housing, stay mindful of these helpful tips from the Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program.

It's important to stay informed on scams currently circulating. Consider signing up for Vermont.gov scam alerts, following Consumer Assistance Program's Facebook page, or check the FTC Scam Alerts site for updates.  

Online Rental Listing Scams

Online scams generally involve fake rental listings and requests to cash a fake check and send money to a shipper/agent in order to complete an online transaction. 

Be cautious when dealing online. 

Never give out personal information before seeing a rental listing in person. Be suspicious when someone wants to pay you more for something than what it is worth; make arrangements to pay in cash and in person whenever possible! 

Remember that if a listing seems to good to be true, it probably is. 

Need Assistance?

Contact the Consumer Assistance Program at:
Phone: 800-649-2424
Email: ago.cap@vermont.gov
Mailing Address: 109 State St., Montpelier VT, 05609
Office Hours: M - F, 8:30am - 4:00pm