SCAM AWARENESSRental listing scams
A rental listing scam is an ad for a house or apartment that isn't really for rent, or that the scammer doesn't own. Scammers often copy photos and details from real listings, post them at a low price, and collect deposits, application fees, or first month's rent from people who never get the keys.
How this scam works
The listing looks appealing: a nice home in a good area at a price below others nearby. When you reach out, the "landlord" says they are out of town, working overseas, or on a mission trip, so they can't show the property. They may offer a quick online application and ask for personal details right away.
Next, they ask you to send a deposit or first month's rent to hold the home before others grab it. They prefer wire transfers, payment apps, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Some mail you fake keys or a lock code that never works. When you show up or try to move in, you find the real owner, other victims, or a home that was never available.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGE"Hi, the house is still available. I'm currently working out of state so I can't show it, but I can hold it for you. Send the $1,200 deposit through [link] today and I'll mail you the keys and lease."
Warning signs
- The rent is much lower than similar homes nearby.
- The owner can't meet you or show the property in person.
- You are pressured to pay before seeing the home or signing a lease.
- Payment must be by wire, payment app, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
- The same photos appear in other listings under different names or prices.
- The landlord's story about being away seems overly detailed or emotional.
How to protect yourself
- Visit the property in person, or have someone you trust visit, before paying.
- Search the address and landlord name with "scam" or "complaint."
- Check local property records to confirm who owns the home.
- Do a reverse image search on the listing photos to find copies.
- Read and sign a lease before paying any deposit or rent.
- Pay by check or credit card, never by gift card, crypto, or wire.
If you already responded
- Contact your bank or payment app right away to report the fraud and ask to stop the payment.
- If you used a gift card or wire service, contact that company immediately.
- If you shared your Social Security number or ID for an application, visit IdentityTheft.gov.
- Report the listing to the website where it was posted so others are warned.
- Report the scam to the FTC and your local police, and save all messages and listing screenshots.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- FTC: Moving this summer? Watch for rental scams ↗
- Report fraud to the FTC ↗
- Report internet crime to the FBI (IC3) ↗
Common questions
Is it normal to pay a deposit before seeing an apartment?
Paying before you have seen the home in person and signed a lease is risky. Many rental scams depend on getting your money before you can check the property. If a landlord refuses to show the home or insists you pay first, walk away and look for another listing.
How can I check who really owns a rental property?
Many county property records are available online through the county assessor or recorder's office. Search the address to see the owner's name and compare it with the person you are dealing with. You can also ask for identification and contact the property management company through its official website.
Why would a landlord ask to be paid with gift cards or a wire transfer?
A real landlord has no need for gift cards or cryptocurrency. Scammers ask for these payments because they are fast and very hard to reverse. Any landlord who demands payment that way is almost certainly running a scam. Use checks or credit cards and get a signed lease.