Don’t Be a Victim: Know How to Identify Rental Scams
You find the perfect rental—great location, very affordable price, and a landlord that wants to move quickly. It almost seems too good to be true - Is it? Rental scams are more sophisticated than ever, preying on hopeful renters with slick tactics and tempting offers. From fake listings to upfront payment schemes, scammers can cost you more than just money—it can shatter your housing plans. Read on as we reveal the red flags to watch for so you don’t become their next target.
Always use caution when you create roommate and sublet ads online or on social media. Scammers monitor these posts and may try to contact you about your ad in an attempt to steal money and/or commit fraud. Below is a list of warning signs to watch for when submitting an ad:
The individual is eager to send money to you directly for the apartment/room without seeing it, talking to your roommates or talking to your property manager
They send a certified check or money order for more than the amount that you agreed upon
You are asked to wire funds or send money orders to the new tenant
The new tenant is not willing to provide basic identifying information
The individual asks you to handle the sublease without informing your property manager; this is typically done to sidestep the background check process
Scammers can also strike when you are looking for a place to live. They often will pose as realtors or property management representatives and will wait at the location. Some will go as far as to create cloned ads that lure you in. When dealing with a representative, watch for these signs:
Rent amounts 20% or more lower than the comparable market value. If it seems too good to be true, it often is!
“Approval” notices that are missing letterhead from an official company or landlord
Statements that attempt to scare you with urgency - "this needs to be done now!!!"
Bad grammar throughout the letter (capitalization errors, incomplete sentences, punctuation issues, spacing)
Inconsistent font types and font sizes
Demand of money without an application submission
Religious phrases like "God Bless" in the closing
The landlord name is not typed out and the signature is not legible. This particular image has been seen on multiple scam leases over the last 3 years. Notice the “approval” stamp is a graphic with no company logo:
Good news! With a little diligence and awareness, you can avoid these scams and protect yourself:
Always try to meet the person face-to-face in a public place
Don’t wire funds and avoid cashier’s checks; any mention of money, money orders, cashier’s checks, wire transfers or bank accounts in the first email is very suspicious
Only make payment to official and secured websites, office locations, or vetted representatives
Request and contact their references including past landlords or employers
Search online for the person's name and email to identify past scams, if any
Ask for their phone number, full name and employer verification; if the individual becomes angry or won't give you information, it's probably a scam so stop communicating with the individual
Refuse to accept overpayment
Do not share your personal information unless you’ve confirmed the individual’s name and personal information
Trust your gut! Don’t sign a deal you don’t feel right about - scammers thrive on pressure and confusion
If you identify a rental scam, you should immediately report it to your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also report it to the platform where the listing was posted if applicable, providing as much information about the scammer as possible to help prevent others from falling victim.
Trust your instincts, do your research, and never rush into a deal that doesn’t feel right. By staying informed and vigilant, you’re not just protecting your money—you’re taking control of your rental journey. Rent with confidence and always LeaseWisely, my friend.
