Renter beware.
You’re scrolling through the rental listings and you come across the perfect house.
It seems legit, especially if it’s on Zillow or Trulia.
The ad isn’t full of typos and the landlord seems like a real person because you Googled them and find out they actually live in the same town in which you are trying to rent.
You click on the ‘request a tour’ button.
They send you an application to fill out first.
You give them your social security number, driver’s license, phone number, email, current address, yearly income, and pretty much every piece of information they can use if they want to steal your identity.
The lack of awareness about cybersecurity makes many people an easy target for anyone trying to hack into their personal data.
An obvious sign of a rental scam is the owner asks for a deposit up front via Western Union Moneygram or prepaid Visa.
Don’t do that.
What if they don’t ask for money?
It can still be a scam because that person gathered all of your personal information.
If you’re new to the rental housing game, do your homework and beware of potential traps.
It’s easy to get sucked into someone’s plot when you are desperate to find a home.
Here are some tips to avoid rental scams used to defraud users, as well as recourse.
Do not fill out an application until you’ve actually seen the property.
Here’s a scenario.
You submit an application and email it to the person or supposed real estate agent on Zillow.
The landlord emails you back and asks if you can see the property on a certain day and time.
Photo Credit: Eelke/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
You agree.
The next day, they email you again and inform you they have decided to rent the house to someone else.
You have just revealed your entire personal and financial history to someone who gave the house to another more “qualified candidate.”
You are left holding the bag.
They have removed the rental listing and changed the status of the property to “off market.”
Even if you verified the property exists, it doesn’t mean it’s really for rent.
People could already be living there, and unbeknownst to them, their house is being advertised as for rent.
It might not be a scam, but it might be.
Either way, all your information is in the hands of a stranger who could have ill intent.
The damage of identity theft sucks.
The tricky part is you don’t know if you’re identity is compromised until it’s too late.
Someone could open credit card accounts in your name, file a fraudulent tax return with your SSN, and claim your medical insurance benefits.
It make take years to fix.
Abuse of your personal information can seriously disrupt your life.
In 2015, a Tennessee woman found out her Social Security disability check – her only source of income – had been canceled because a thief had filed a tax return with her SSN.
The fake return led the Social Security Administration to think she had lied about being disabled, even though the IRS had confirmed she was a victim of identity theft.
Another way credit cards get compromised is through a company’s database.
For example, in 2013, 40 million credit and debit card accounts were compromised when hackers gained access to Target’s database.
What do you do next?
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud or identity theft, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
In 2015, the FTC reported more than 490,000 in identity theft complaints.
Every year, the threat continues to grow as advancements in technology uncover vulnerabilities that could allow fraudsters to get your personal information.
Report the ad to whichever online real estate database company you’re using, such as Zillow or Trulia.
Give them as much information as you can about the property, what happened, and include the email exchanges.
The company is supposed to follow up even if they bear no responsibility and make it clear on their website that they are not involved in the transactions between buyers/sellers, renters/landlord, or borrowers/lenders.
They simply tell you to beware of scams and other internet fraud on a Frequently Asked Questions page.
Photo Credit: Urbane Apartments/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
You can freeze your credit for free and up to three months to prevent someone from opening accounts in your name.
It’s easy to do.
To place a fraud alert on your credit reports, contact fraud.transunion.com, which are then forwarded to Equifax and Experian.
By law, you are also allowed to get one free credit report a year.
Look for sudden or unexpected changes in your free credit report summary, which is updated every month on credit.com.
Final Advice
Do your research and trust your gut for the legitimacy of potential listings.
Some apartment complexes will offer legitimate applications via a property’s website, but don’t submit an application with personal information until you’ve verified the property exists and you’ve toured it.
The photos online may not match reality.
Don’t get your identity stolen and taken for a ride.
Common cyber crime is more widespread than the occasional or sensational headlines suggest.
Cyber criminals aren’t masterminds or experts, but they can easily victimize people who shop, bank, or send money online.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
Cover Photo Credit: Michael Dorausch/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
What Do You Think?
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GB: A Unique Hip-Hop Hopeful Hailing From Boca
When I first met GB three years ago, I didn’t know at the time of his ambitions and goals nor of the immense level of talent he had.
I only knew him as a young man looking to get initiated into the fraternity that I was advising at the time.
Flash forward three years later and he’s on the cusp of reaching the next level.
GB is the definition of a millennial artist using the resources at his fingertips to put his music out there and take advantage of the open web to leave his mark. It was important for me to use the platform I have elevate GB to a larger audience.
I remember distinctly hearing GB play his guitar here and there and I thought, man this kid has talent. Of course I didn’t know what was yet to come. From performing at sorority philanthropy events to performing at actual nightclubs for the first time, his future is brighter than ever.
I asked GB, who is now in his senior year at Florida Atlantic University if he wouldn’t mind me speaking with me to share his story, his ideas and his passion.
RISE: First off, tell the readers something you want them to know about you?
Something you should know about me is that I do my best to keep out negative energy. Positivity is the answer to life, you can do and be anything in the world. If you believe in yourself and set your sights on goals that incorporate your passions and talents, you will be successful.
RISE: When did you know you wanted to pursue music?
I knew I wanted to pursue music the day that I turned 20. I released my first album “Phenom” along with 20 tracks that featured my rap and singing debut. I could feel in my heart everything seeming to fall into place, each time I write, reminisce or think up something new. Music is truly my love and passion, no matter what comes out of it, I feel accomplished in knowing that.
RISE:When you dropped your first album “Phenom” what did that feel like?
It felt nice dropping my first album “Phenom” with 20 tracks because it was [and is] something that rarely anyone is doing. The doubt of my peers really pushes me harder and harder everyday, support definitely builds you the most though. I released my second album “The Bakery” with 21 tracks just to prove to people I could do it again and come even hotter. With my third album release “TRILLA G,” it was all about capturing the best aspects of my artistry. I released 8 tracks that all pushed for futuristic style and vision. My main goal now is to just keep pushing singles in hopes of making that one hit song that everyone falls in love with.
RISE:Who are your musical influences?
My biggest musical influences at the moment would have to be Bryson Tiller, Jeremih, Chance the Rapper & Frank Ocean. My passion for music started with John Mayer but I really enjoy listening to music that enhances my ear for R&B influenced hip hop.
RISE:Who are you listening to right now?
I am really selective with what I am listening to, I have been listening to Frank Ocean’s new album “Blonde.” I am in love with the pop influenced vocals; With this type of sound coming back into the mainstream, as well as influencing myself, my own music is being taken with ease to listeners of all genres.
RISE:Who would be your dream collaboration?
I would love to make a dope R&B influenced track with Bryson Tiller or a party influenced hit with Chance the Rapper.
RISE:Who are other up and coming artists that you have worked with in South Florida that you hope make it big?
My favorite artists in Boca Raton are Mansa, Vaughny Vo & Ali Embry. I have worked with plenty of producers & engineers that deserve credit too: MaClean Studios, Influence Studios, Lykia, Equus & more. They have all been big parts of my evolved sounds and I appreciate all their efforts and advice. Other than that, I have worked with so many artists, going on 100 hip hop songs in the past two years. I really enjoy working with people and making music that people can enjoy and possess as their own as well. That is what it is all about.
RISE:Tell me about what it’s like working with other people who are also trying to break into the music scene?
It is great finding those artists that have the same mindset as you. A lot of people are really only focused on breaking into the music scene and don’t have the talent or work ethic that comes with that success. The best collaborations are when the music comes from the heart, you should take each confrontation and learn from it. Each artist I have made music with has taught me something whether it be what to do or what not to do.
Listen to one of GB’s songs:
RISE:How would you describe your sound?
The sound that I am consistently working towards in my own mind is a mix of positive catchy lyrics, a marketable theme throughout, hard-hitting instrumentals topped with impressive pop vocals that could impress any listener with soothing melodies. I am very persistent on my new sounds being based around my singing.
RISE:How often do you go into the studio to record?
I record at least a couple of times a week. I have 4 studios in Boca that I flip flop between and make my music at. When it comes down to it, I built my own recording studio in my room and I am able to record literally at any moment of the day. Whenever I am feeling something heavily, I will not wait around, I definitely feel at home in the studio.
RISE:Do you ever feel creatively stifled? If so how do you combat that?
Most definitely, it happens to the best of us. Whenever I am feeling stuck on something, I will just put it away and work on another topic. It always seems to brighten a new light when I come back to something at another time with a fresh mind and full attention.
RISE:What is the headspace you put yourself in when you go into the recording studio?
I really just put it in my head to be comfortable. You never want to push it too hard or blurt something too loud, studio recording is a lot different than singing live. By the time I get in the studio I know the lyrics so well that I really try and focus on the pronunciation of every word and melody.
RISE:If you wish you wrote any one specific lyric or bar, what would it be and why?
There are countless lyrics that I love to be honest? In every song there is something that I probably enjoy most about it, but when I first started rhyming I said “Like a foreign student way he study abroad, know the heavens must be the real the way she shaped by the gods, GB must stand for Gary Blessed…” and that was how I was stuck with “Gary Blessed” being the acronym for my initials GB. Before that song, GB just stood for Gary Baker.
RISE:What was it like to take the stage truly for the first time at Crowbar in Tampa, your hometown?
It felt so nice to be on stage performing the sounds that I had been working so hard on. I had been on stages before considering I have been making music since I was 16 and played in my own band in high school, but this was definitely the first time it was 100% my music. It felt like the start of destiny.
RISE:What is your end goal with your music?
I have really grown an obsession with music, my first end goal started out just getting a feature with my favorite rapper at the time, Cam Meekins. My ultimate end goal would be me as a major recording artists, the executive of my own label, have a few businesses that incorporate my own brand and different lifestyle aspects, and consistently release music that is noticed and perceived by the world in a positive way. In the least, I want to be recognized in the music industry and make a living from it.
You can check out all of GB’s music here: https://soundcloud.com/garyblessed
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
Cover Photo Credit: GB/ Instagram
What Do You Think?
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So How Many Of The Bachelor Couples Are Actually Still Together?
The record of long-lasting love is a bit of a heart breaker for America’s darling of reality romance shows, The Bachelor.
If finding love on camera seems close to impossible maybe that’s because it is. Competitive reality TV dating is hard.
Just ask the 20 bachelors who’ve vied for the attention of swooning women since the show’s inception in March 2002.
In 20 seasons of The Bachelor, 12 men have popped the question on air, which is a solid 60% of couples who came out of the show engaged.
However, relationships start to fall apart when the cameras disappear: Only two of the 20 couples are still together, one of whom is married.
Season 17 winners Sean Lowe and Catherine Guidici got married in 2014 and recently celebrated the birth of their first child. Success!
Season 20 winners Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell are currently enjoying their engagement.
Hopefully, their new reality spin-off show will still send them happily down the aisle and not running for the hills.
It still seems like yesterday the young Missouri banker Aaron Buerge got down on one knee and proposed to adorable school psychologist Helene Eksterowicz in 2002.
The proposal was the first for the show as the winners in the inaugural season did not become engaged.
Long before DVR, social media, iPhones and Kardashian takeover, and way before ABC offered virtual reality (VR) experiences online, The Bachelor was starting to form a match-making empire that quickly evolved into the creation of The Bachelorette in January 2003. (The Bachelorette took a three-year hiatus between 2005-2008.) Then along came the trashier if not entertaining spin-offs, aka Bachelor in Paradise and Bachelor Pad.
The Bachelorette has also yielded a much better success rate than Bachelor in terms of the couple staying together after the show ended.
In 12 seasons, five couples are still together – a 42% commitment rate.
The very first season brought us sweethearts Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter, who’ve been married almost 13 years. They are the king & queen of reality television romance.
Here are the others.
Season 7 winners Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum are married and expecting their second child.
Season 9’s Desiree Hartsock and husband Chris Siegfried are having a baby this fall.
The most recent couples are Season 11’s Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth and Season 12’s JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers.
We’ll see if those two couples go the distance to the altar.
As in real life, not just TV, relationships, dating, love and marriage don’t always work out.
If dreams are dashed along the way because someone is looking for 15 minutes of fame and not love, the success rate is probably even lower.
Add a mix of personality types that only reality TV attracts and a bunch of booze that’s readily available, and you start to see some mental health issues that TV is famous for.
But all that is just a buzzkill.
Here’s to the success of the next Bachelor Nick Viall!
May he find “the one.”
After countless tries, he deserves happily-ever happiness.
We all do.
Here’s the complete list of Bachelor and Bachelorette winner history and their record of keeping it all together after the end of the show:
THE BACHELOR Couples:
Season 1
Alex Michel and Amanda Marsh- Not TogetherSeason 2
Aaron Buerge and Helene Eksterowicz- Not TogetherSeason 3
Andrew Firestone and Jen Schefft- Not TogetherSeason 4
Bob Guiney and Estella Gardinier- Not TogetherSeason 5
Jesse Palmer and Jessica Bowlin- Not TogetherSeason 6
Byron Velvick and Mary Delgado- Not TogetherSeason 7
Charlie O’Connell and Sarah Brice- Not TogetherSeason 8
Travis Lane Stork and Sarah Stone- Not TogetherSeason 9
Lorenzo Borghese and Jennifer Wilson- Not TogetherSeason 10
Andrew Baldwin and Tessa Horst- Not TogetherSeason 11
Brad Womack and no one (sad trombone)Season 12
Matt Grant and Shayne Lamas- Not TogetherSeason 13
Jason Mesnick and Melissa Rycroft- Not TogetherSeason 14
Jake Pavelka and Vienna Girardi- Not TogetherSeason 15
Brad Womack and Emily Maynard- Not TogetherSeason 16
Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson- Not TogetherSeason 17
Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici – STILL TOGETHERSeason 18
Juan Pablo Galavis and Nikki FerrellSeason 19
Chris Soules and Whitney BischoffSeason 20
Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell -STILL TOGETHERSeason 21
Nick Viall and TBDTHE BACHELORETTE Couples:
Season 1
Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter- STILL TOGETHERSeason 2
Meredith Phillips and Ian Mckee- Not TogetherSeason 3
Jen Schefft and Jerry Ferris- Not TogetherSeason 4
DeAnna Pappas and Jesse Csincsak- Not TogetherSeason 5
Jillian Harris and Ed Swiderski- Not TogetherSeason 6
Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez- Not TogetherSeason 7
Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum- STILL TOGETHERSeason 8
Emily Maynard and Jef Holm- Not TogetherSeason 9
Desiree Hartsock and Chris Siegfried- STILL TOGETHERSeason 10
Andi Dorfman and Josh Murray- Not TogetherSeason 11
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth- STILL TOGETHERSeason 12
JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers- STILL TOGETHERRISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
Cover Photo Credit: The Bachelor/ Facebook
What Do You Think?
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Our Whole Generation Needs To Watch “Love Jones”
On the 20th anniversary of the release of Love Jones, I used my snow day from work to see the film for a second time.
The first time, I finished it with a very negative attitude, immediately texting the friend who suggested it to ask why she loved it so much.
The reason why she suggested it was due to what I was going through in my current dating life: the ups, downs, and everything in between.
A little bit of background: Love Jones is a 1997 romantic film that intertwines love, poetry, and career choices between Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate) and Nina Mosley (Nia Long), and the highs and lows that come with it.
The two lovers struggle with admitting their true feelings for each other, and this notion is constantly tested throughout the film.
The movie has gained a cult following because of its unique take on love during the late 90s, a time when technology was starting to make real change in the way we saw each other.
After watching the film again, I realize why I had such a bad taste in my mouth the first time and why I fell in love with it the second.
It solidified how different things are nowadays in terms of dating and relationships: we hide our emotions behind a screen.
We text each other our affection with some emojis thrown in there rather than picking up the phone to hear the voice on the other end.
We say “I don’t care” instead of taking the risk.
We find ways to not be memorable rather than to be something the other cannot forget.
With my first (and only, for now) relationship, my boyfriend and I never necessarily asked each other if we wanted to be in one – it just happened.
We would only get on the phone when we needed to resolve an issue or when we were in a fight and needed to clarify things.
The first time we broke up, he did it through a text message because he was “busy with his boys.”
When we first said “I love you,” we would text each other constantly, repeating it over and over again because the feeling was so fresh, new, and alive.
However, there is a difference between texting it and saying it loud and proud.
Although things did not work out, our relationship and time together did teach me what I wanted in my next relationship and what I did not want, and for that, thank you.
With the man I was dating over the summer, we were very much out and about.
However, we were known as “bae” to each other and as “friends” to everyone else.
Love is weird man. Photo Credit: Johnny Lai/Flickr (CC by 2.0)
This was the first time I did not feel like creating a label for us because “labels complicate things,” as most people my age tend to say.
With him leaving to law school by the end of the summer, we were able to talk and still do.
However, our talking is, yet again, by texting.
Do I remember his voice?
Hardly, but he did write me a poem, which I still have.
I can say he tried.
With the guy (I think?) I am dating now, we absolutely never get on the phone, and quite honestly, we have not decided what we are other than “just having fun.”
While I was OK with it at first, I realized I am a person who enjoys having labels because labels do not complicate what you have with someone.
If there are complications, it is because of you, that other person, or both.
Do labels mean I want a relationship?
Not necessarily.
It just means that we are mature enough to have a conversation and talk things through.
Darius and Nina confess their love for each other by the end of the movie and how they will make things work although they are on different sides of the country.
That is not necessarily saying that they will get into a relationship – they are going to work things through.
That is what I commend.
People say women tend to get caught up in the idea of a Hollywood romance.
However, who would not want a love such as the one in Love Jones?
A man who publicly admits his admiration through a poetry performance.
A woman who is set on her career but also is set on love.
A love that has Lauryn Hill singing in the background.
A love where you can remember the voice of the person you are into because you take the time to call each other.
See the movie for yourself and decide.
RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.
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