With so many more healthcare professionals joining the ranks of Travelers oftentimes, they may think it better to secure their own housing. There are a lot of things to look for and consider when trying to find housing in a new city and of course online would seem the best place to do that with all the information available on the internet. For example, Craig's List is a great place to find just about anything you could ever need or want,but there are a whole bunch of scammers on there as well. Be vigilant in your research. Talk to other Travel professionals about their experiences. Find a rental property that has rented to other healthcare travelers if at all possible. There are many travel nursing blogs, including our own, where you can get more information about housing and how to find it. But, here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to find yourself a place to live in a new area.
Don't talk to anyone who says they are overseas and are not able to meet you in person, or send a representative to meet you. If they are legitimate there will be a phone number provided so you can talk to someone. If the phone number is disconnected, beware. Also, be on the lookout for free email accounts versus corporate ones, although I do have a gmail account too and use Craig's List often.
If at all possible deal locally and in person. Most times you will be doing your searching online of course but you really should schedule a trip there or have someone local check it out for you if you can't get there.
DO NOT ever give your personal financial information until you have seen the property physically. Obviously some personal information might be requested so they could check your credit or background but not before you have seen the property. Another red flag is that they don't want any information. Too little or too much, better to be safe than sorry!
Absolutely do not send any advance funds via Paypal, wire services or bank transfers. These are the scammers, requesting money up front, and then you and your money are parted with no place to live. A lot of times these posts just don't make sense, have lots of errors in them and are not well written, another red flag.
If you do become the victim of a rental scam: Do call the police and give them the information even if you don't press charges. Maybe you can save someone else from being victimized. If you found these people online make sure and notify the service where the ad was posted. Internet scams are serious business and they may be able to stop the scammer.
We are just trying to make you aware of scams that we know about so you don't fall victim. The best bet of course is to go there yourself and make the arrangements. Beware and Be Careful!
Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network
