Have you ever been scammed... in real life?

Back when Pokemon cards were all the rage among children, I traded a Raticate for two Caterpies. I was scolded by my family for making such a bad trade.

yeah, Its called steam. They take your money all the time.

Yeah.
Took my computer to a local computer repair company. When I asked if they'd take it apart and test all the individual components, they said yes. Charged me $35.

Day or two later, they call me to pick it up. They tell me they ran a stress test on it (a software test)--didn't bother to even open it up. I said they told me they'd open it up and test the individual components the guy there laughed at me. Then they wanted another $35 to do the test I asked for in the first place.

Worst part is, I actually gave it to them. I took it there because I didn't have anything to test WITH at home-and I know they did. They just didn't bother.

(Just a friendly bit of advice: If you do decide to build your own computer, make sure you leave room in your budget in case something goes wrong. If you can't do the repairs yourself, make sure you find someone you trust to do them--this company had a good reputation (as the guy there told me repeatedly).

OP, I'm telling this as a real estate broker: if an agent suggests you to pay and get a list phone numbers that may or may not lead you to a nice rental, just get up and walk out of the door. It's agent's job to find and show you appartments.

And honestly, it doesn't even make sense for an agent to allow tenant and owner communicate directly before the rental agreement has been signed.