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Scam library · Shopping · Small business

Rental listing scam: fake apartments and houses

You find a home on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or even a big listing site. The rent is below market. The 'landlord' is out of the country for work or missionary service and can't show it, but will send keys once you pay the deposit and first month's rent.

The FTC warns that scammers copy real listings, change the contact details, and collect deposits for homes they don't own.

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What the message looks like

Social media message · example, not real

From: Messenger, 'Pastor Mike'

Hello, the 2BR is still available for $1,250/month. I'm currently on a mission trip in Ghana so I can't show it.

If you send the deposit and first month ($2,500) by Zelle, I'll mail the keys and lease overnight.

This is a made-up example. A landlord who can't meet and wants money first is a red flag.

How this scam works

Some scammers go further: they invite you to view the property using a self-tour lockbox code, or they break into a vacant home. Others pose as property managers and send fake leases.

Rental scams hit renters in tight housing markets the hardest, where people feel they must act fast. They also target landlords, with fake tenants sending overpayment checks.

Scammers also ask for an 'application fee' or a copy of your ID and Social Security number before any viewing. That information can then be used for identity theft, even if you never send a deposit.

A real landlord or property manager will usually show the unit, run a standard application, and accept payment through a traceable method after you sign a lease.

Red flags

  • Rent well below similar homes in the area.
  • The owner is away and can't show the property.
  • Deposit requested before you've seen inside or signed a lease.
  • Payment by wire, Zelle, crypto or gift cards.
  • The same photos appear in other listings with different contact info.

How to tell it’s fake

  1. Search the address online and check whether the listing appears with different names or prices.
  2. Look up property records to confirm the owner's name.
  3. Tour the home in person with the owner or a licensed agent before paying.

What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info

Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.

If you clicked a link or called back

  • Stop communicating and report the listing to the website.

If you paid

  • Contact your bank or payment app right away. Report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and local police.

If you shared personal info, a password or a code

  • If you sent a copy of your ID or Social Security number on an application, place a credit freeze.

Where to report and get help (U.S.)

If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.

  • Your bank or card issuer
    Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
    Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan.
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
    Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details.
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
    Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
  • IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
    If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.

How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you

In Chrome or Edge on your computer, Scam Guard checks rental listings and messages you have open, recognizing the out-of-town landlord story and deposit-before-viewing requests. It warns you before you pay. If a listing seems legit but the price is a little too good, an expert second look is worth it.

Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.

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Questions people ask

How do I know if a rental is real?
See the property in person, verify the owner through public records, and don't pay until you've signed a lease.
Is it normal to pay a holding deposit?
Some landlords do, but only after a viewing and with a written agreement. Never by wire or gift card.
Can I get my deposit back?
Contact your bank immediately. Wires and payment apps are hard to reverse, but speed helps.

Sources

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