Here's a common scam that's being run by gangs of thieves that are messing up landlords. The police department will tell you that there are gangs stealing people's ID and credit card information and occupying properties that are owned by investors. When you think that you've collected security deposit, first month's rent, it's actually stolen money, so you won't be able to keep it. It'll be taken back by the credit card company when real owner finds out that their card was stolen and used for these illegal purposes. And you're going to end up having to evict someone you don't even know their name and then re-lease it after you fix up the property after they damage.