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If you are facing Eviction for any reason, there are organizations out there that can assist you. However, there are also fake “organizations” and “charities” that can hurt you and ruin you financially.

COVID-19 has created an opening for scammers to target people who are just trying to get help with paying their rent or taking care of other financial needs. Scammers may call, email, or text you, indicating they can get you money for rent, or provide you with legal help to avoid eviction.

Whether a stranger contacts you unexpectedly, or you go looking for Rental Assistance, here are ways to protect yourself:

·        Never give your Social Security, bank account, credit card, or debit card number to anyone who contacts you. Moreover, even if you are the one reaching out, do your research on the organization first, before you share your information.

·        If you look online for help with your rent, search for the name of the groups you find, plus the words “scam,” “fraud,” or “complaint,” to see what others are saying. Do that before you contact them.

·        Find out about local programs that offer rental assistance and other help.

·        The eviction moratorium put in place by the CDC for renters in counties where COVID cases are rapidly spreading ended on August 26, 2021. The federal eviction moratorium ended on July 31, 2021. If you are facing eviction, you still have rights. The first step in most evictions is a written notice. Check with your local court system for more details about the eviction process and your rights. You also may qualify for free legal services and be able to speak to a lawyer to learn about your rights.