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Rental Scams
Fake landlords advertise properties they don't own, collect deposits and first month's rent, then disappear.
$350M+
Annual losses (US)
43,000+ annually (US)
Reported victims/year
Report Now
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
🎭 How Scammers Do It: Tactics
- ▸ Copy real property listings and repost them at lower prices
- ▸ Claim to be overseas (missionary, military, or business) — cannot show property
- ▸ Send fake keys or lease agreements to seem legitimate
- ▸ Require large deposits via wire transfer, Zelle, or gift card before viewing
- ▸ Claim COVID or travel restrictions prevent in-person showing
- ▸ Use stolen realtor identities and legitimate-looking email addresses
🚩 Red Flags: Stop If You See These
⚠ Rent is significantly below market rate for the area
⚠ Landlord is overseas and cannot show the property in person
⚠ Requires deposit or first month before you can view the property
⚠ Refuses to meet in person or use a local agent
⚠ Pressure to send money quickly via wire, Zelle, or gift card
⚠ Listing is posted on multiple platforms simultaneously
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
1. Always view a property in person before paying anything
2. Verify landlord owns the property through county property records
3. Never send money before signing a lease and seeing the property
4. Use reputable rental platforms with renter protections
5. Search the exact listing photos on Google Images
6. Be extremely cautious of deals significantly below market rate
📋 How to Report This Scam
Report to FTC, the FBI IC3, and the rental platform where the listing appeared.