Safety Tips
Scam awareness and safer rental practices.
Major payment warnings, scam red flags, and methods you should avoid when dealing with listings.
How to verify identity and authority while protecting your personal information.
Tips for seeing units safely, meeting carefully, and handling keys or access codes with caution.
Keep records, report suspicious activity, handle emergencies, and remember the platform disclaimer.
Payments & Red Flags
1 Biggest Rule: Don't Send Money Until You Verify
Scammers often pressure you to pay quickly. Before paying anything:
- confirm the unit exists and is actually available,
- confirm the person advertising has the authority to rent/sell it,
- see the unit in person when possible (or verify through trusted channels if you cannot).
2 Be Suspicious of "Too Good to Be True"
Common red flags include:
- rent/price far below market,
- urgency ("pay today or lose it"),
- excuses for not showing the unit (out of town, keys in mailbox, "agent will mail keys"),
- requests to communicate only off-platform.
3 Avoid Wire Transfers, Gift Cards, Crypto, and Cash Apps for Deposits
Never pay deposits or rent using:
- wire transfer,
- gift cards,
- cryptocurrency,
- or unusual payment methods requested by a stranger.
Use safer methods that provide records and protections where possible.
Identity & Privacy
4 Verify Identity and Authority
Before sharing money or sensitive info:
- ask for the full name and a way to verify identity,
- confirm the person is connected to the unit (owner/authorized agent/management),
- verify professional credentials if someone claims to be an agent, broker, property manager, or landlord, especially where a license or registration is required.
5 Protect Your Personal Information
Do not share sensitive data with strangers, including:
- Social Security number (SSN),
- passport/driver's license numbers (unless you are confident the recipient is legitimate and you understand why it's needed),
- bank account details,
- one-time passcodes (2FA codes),
- photos of IDs unless necessary and sent securely.
Viewing & Meetings
6 See the Unit (and Understand the Terms) Before Signing
Before signing a lease or agreement:
- tour the unit and building if possible,
- confirm all fees and move-in costs in writing,
- confirm the address, unit number, and rent amount match the listing,
- review lease terms carefully.
7 Meet Safely
If you meet someone in person:
- meet in a public place when possible,
- bring a friend,
- tell someone where you're going,
- avoid meeting alone late at night,
- trust your instincts.
8 Use Caution with Keys and Access Codes
Never accept instructions like:
- "send a deposit and we'll mail the keys,"
- "keys are hidden, just send money,"
- "here's a lockbox code before payment."
Treat these as scam signals.
Documentation & Reporting
9 Document Everything
Keep records:
- screenshots of the listing,
- message/email history,
- receipts and proof of payment,
- names, phone numbers, and addresses used.
Documentation helps if you need to report fraud.
10 Report Suspicious Listings or Users
If you suspect a scam, impersonation, harassment, or false information:
- use the report tools on Zuyis (where available), and/or
- email support@zuyis.com with the listing link and a short explanation.
11 Emergency Situations
If you believe you are in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, contact emergency services right away.
12 Disclaimer
Zuyis is not responsible for user postings or transactions between users. These tips are for general safety awareness only and are not legal, financial, or law-enforcement advice.
Contact
13 Contact
Questions about these Safety Tips? Email support@zuyis.com.
Mailing Address: 300 Rector Pl, New York, NY 10280