How to Spot Rental Scams: 9 Red Flags

According to a recent study, more than 75% of U.S. homes for sale are unaffordable to the typical household. As renters continue to feel sidelined, rental scams are becoming more common — and more sophisticated. Fake listings, stolen photos, and convincing messages can trick even cautious renters into handing over money or personal information.

In this post, we explain how to spot rental scams. We’ll share — and illustrate — nine red flags to watch for. You’ll see real-world examples of what scam listings and messages often sound like.

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1. The rent looks too good to be true

If the monthly rent is suspiciously low compared to similar nearby properties, pause before taking any action. Scammers often underprice listings to attract quick interest and emotional responses. Their hope is that you’ll respond without researching.

Example scam text:
“Beautiful 2-bedroom in a prime neighborhood for only $900/month. I’m not trying to make money, I just want a good tenant.”

2. You’re pressured to act fast

Urgency is one of the most common rental scam tactics. The goal is to rush you into sending money or information before you have time to verify anything. Scammers will often present a cocktail of low rent and excessive urgency.

Example scam text:
“I’ve had a lot of interest already, so I need a deposit today to hold the unit.”

3. You’re asked for money or personal info before seeing the place

Legitimate landlords don’t ask for deposits, application fees, or sensitive personal information before you’ve toured the property and confirmed it’s real.

This red flag includes early requests for:

• Application or holding fees
• Social Security numbers
• Copies of your ID
• Bank account details

Example scam text:
“To speed things up, please send your SSN and a photo of your driver’s license before the showing.”

4. You can’t tour the property in person

If you’re repeatedly told you can’t see the rental — especially with vague or shifting excuses — treat that as a warning sign. Common explanations may include the owner being out of town, sick, or unavailable due to a recent move. They may also blame the delays on issues involving existing tenants. In most cases, this red flag warrants walking away.

Example scam text:
“I’m overseas right now, but the photos show everything you need to know.”

5. The person listing the rental won’t meet you

Scammers often avoid face-to-face interaction entirely, including video calls. If the person advertising the rental refuses to meet or always pushes communication back to email or text, proceed with caution.

Example scam text:
“My assistant handles everything online, so there’s no need to meet in person.”

6. The payment method feels unusual

Requests for nontraditional payment methods are a major red flag. These payments are hard — or impossible — to reverse once sent.

Be cautious if you’re asked to pay using:

• Wire transfers
• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Peer-to-peer apps only (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App)

Example scam text:
“Please send the deposit via Zelle or an Apple gift card so we can lock this in today.”

7. The listing is vague, sloppy, or can’t be verified elsewhere

Poor grammar, missing details, or generic descriptions can signal a copied or fake listing. Another clue: you can’t find the same property listed on other reputable rental sites.

Take a few minutes to:

• Search the address on multiple platforms
• Reverse-image search the photos
• Check whether the same listing appears with different prices or contact names

Example scam text:
“This unit is only advertised here to keep things private.”

8. You’re not asked to apply or get screened

Most legitimate landlords require an application, background check, or references. When none of that is required, the lease itself may also be incomplete or questionable.

Watch for leases that:

• Don’t list a landlord name or contact information
• Are missing the property address or lease term
• Pressure you to sign immediately without review

Example scam text:
“The lease is very simple; we don’t need anything formal right now.”

9. Your gut tells you something isn’t right

Sometimes it’s not one major red flag, but several small inconsistencies that add up. Details keep changing. Answers don’t line up or seem vague. The process feels rushed or oddly casual. Or the person listing the property comes across as excessively eager or overly helpful.

That uneasy feeling is worth listening to.

Example scam text:
“The keys are with my cousin. I’ll explain everything after you send the deposit.”

How to report a rental scam

If you think you’ve encountered a rental scam, reporting it can help protect others. You are encouraged to report it even if you didn’t lose money.

Report the fraud to:

• Local law enforcement, especially if money or personal information was shared
• Your state attorney general’s office
• The Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov
• The website or platform where you found the rental listing

A safer long-term option: Moving beyond renting

If you’re tired of worrying about rental scams, rising rents, and wasted application fees, it may be worth exploring whether buying a home is realistic for you. With the right assistance programs and professional guidance, it may be possible sooner than you think.

A trusted local real estate agent can help you understand your options, your budget, and what homeownership might look like in your area. With the right experts on your side, you can leave rental uncertainty behind and focus on a more secure next step.

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