Common Rental Scams on Popular Real Estate Platforms

28 September 2025

Renting a place online should be simple, right? Browse listings, find the perfect spot, and move in—no hassle. But what if I told you that the rental market is flooded with scammers just waiting to take advantage of eager renters?

From fake landlords to sketchy payment requests, rental scams are more common than you’d think. The worst part? Many of these scams happen on popular real estate platforms—yes, the ones you trust! So, how do you spot the red flags before falling into a trap? Let’s break it down.

1. The Too-Good-to-Be-True Deal

Ever come across a stunning apartment in a prime location for a ridiculously low price? It’s tempting, but it’s also the oldest trick in the scammer’s book.

Scammers dangle these deals to lure renters into rushing their decisions. They’ll claim they need a “deposit” ASAP because the property is in “high demand.” Sounds fishy, right? That’s because it is.

How to Avoid This Scam:

- Compare similar listings in the area. If it seems unrealistically cheap, it probably is.
- Ask for a virtual or in-person tour before paying anything.
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

2. Fake Landlords and Bogus Brokers

Picture this: You find a listing, contact the landlord, and everything seems legit—until they start making excuses about why they can't meet you in person. They might claim they’re out of town, relocating for work, or dealing with an emergency. Then comes the kicker: they want you to send money before you can see the place.

Warning Signs:

- They refuse to meet in person or show the property.
- They demand upfront payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- They pressure you to decide immediately.

How to Protect Yourself:

- Request a video call to verify their identity. A real landlord won’t hesitate.
- Check the property ownership records online, if possible.
- Insist on meeting at the property before making any payments.

3. The Hijacked Listing Scam

Scammers often copy legitimate listings from real estate websites, then repost them with their contact information. The catch? They’ll claim they’re the actual landlord and offer you an unbeatable deal—until they disappear with your money.

How to Spot This Scam:

- The listing appears on multiple sites but with different contact details.
- The landlord avoids answering specific questions about the property.
- They ask for money before signing a lease.

How to Stay Safe:

- Reverse image search the listing photos to see if they exist elsewhere.
- Contact the property management company to verify the listing.
- Stick to reputable real estate platforms and avoid Craigslist-style listings.

4. The "Bait-and-Switch" Scam

Let’s say you visit a place after seeing a beautiful online listing. But when you get there, it's a completely different unit—usually one of lower quality. The scammer will try to convince you that the original listing is “no longer available” but that this one is “just as good.”

In reality, they never intended to rent you that dream apartment in the first place.

How to Avoid This Trap:

- Ask for recent, unedited photos of the exact unit before visiting.
- Verify the address and check reviews if available.
- Trust your instincts—if they change the offer last minute, walk away.

5. The Phony Application Fee Scam

Some scammers pose as landlords or real estate agents and claim they need an application fee to “process your paperwork.” They might even set up a professional-looking website or email to appear credible.

Once you send the money, they disappear—no apartment, no refund, nothing.

How to Avoid Being Fooled:

- Research local laws—many areas cap application fees.
- Ask for official documentation proving their affiliation with the property.
- NEVER share sensitive personal information (SSN, bank details) unless you're sure it's legitimate.

6. The "Pay Before You See" Tactic

A genuine landlord understands that you need to see the place before committing. Scammers, on the other hand, insist you send money upfront to "hold" the unit. Some even provide fake lease agreements to appear legitimate.

Once they receive the deposit, they vanish into thin air.

How to Avoid This Scam:

- Legitimate landlords will not demand payments before a physical or virtual viewing.
- Never send money via untraceable methods (Bitcoin, gift cards, Western Union).
- If they rush you to pay, that’s your cue to walk away.

7. The Eviction After Payment Scam

Some scammers actually have access to rental properties—either because they were previous tenants or they’ve broken in. They’ll “rent” out the place, collect deposits and first month’s rent, and then disappear. You move in, only to find out the real owner had no idea you were there.

How to Avoid This Nightmare:

- Verify the landlord’s identity and ownership through public records.
- If dealing with an agent, confirm their licensing through official real estate boards.
- Always insist on a legal lease agreement before paying anything.

8. The Fraudulent Property Management Company

Some scammers take things up a notch by creating fake property management companies, complete with websites, email addresses, and phone numbers. They’ll list multiple properties and lure tenants into paying deposits for rentals that don’t exist.

How to Protect Yourself:

- Check if the company is registered with the local real estate authority.
- Look for online reviews and complaints.
- Visit their office in person if possible—most scammers operate strictly online.

9. The Identity Theft Scheme

Some scams go beyond stealing your money—they steal your personal information. A fake landlord might ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or even a copy of your passport before you’ve signed anything.

How to Stay Safe:

- Never share personal or financial details before verifying legitimacy.
- Use credit monitoring services to detect suspicious activity.
- Be cautious of landlords who ask for excessive personal data upfront.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a rental scam, don’t panic—take action.

1. Report the Scam – Notify the real estate platform where you found the listing. Also, report it to local authorities and the FTC (if in the U.S.).
2. Contact Your Bank – If you sent money, contact your bank or payment provider immediately to see if you can reverse the transaction.
3. Warn Others – Leave reviews on scam-reporting websites and local forums to prevent others from falling into the same trap.
4. Monitor Your Credit – If you shared personal information, keep an eye on your credit report for any unauthorized activity.

Final Thoughts

Rental scams are everywhere, even on trusted real estate platforms. But with a bit of vigilance and common sense, you can avoid falling for these traps. Remember—if something feels off, it probably is.

Always verify listings, research landlords, and never hand over money blindly. The more informed you are, the harder it is for scammers to take advantage of you. Renting a home should be exciting, not stressful—so stay smart and keep your money where it belongs!