Rental Scams Are Everywhere—Here’s How to Protect Yourself

This is a hill I will absolutely die on: rental scams are out of control, and people are getting taken advantage of every single day. It’s heartbreaking, and honestly? It’s infuriating. There are sites out there (you know the ones) where anyone can post a listing—real or fake. There’s zero verification, and scammers are using that to prey on renters who are just trying to find a decent place to live.

I’m not naming names, but you’ve probably looked at some of these sites yourself. They’re filled with fake listings, misleading prices, and even stolen photos. Some areas now have more scam listings than real ones. Let that sink in.

How to Spot a Rental Scam Before You Get Burned

If you’re hunting for a rental, you need to be extra cautious. Here are some red flags and steps to keep you protected:

 1. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
That $1,000/month listing in a neighborhood where everything else is going for $2,000? That’s a red flag. Compare prices in the area and look up the property’s history. Has it dropped drastically in price? Was it just listed for sale last month? Start asking questions.

 2. Look at past listings.
Use tools like Zillow or Redfin to see the property’s price history. Was it recently listed for rent or sale? If so, who had it listed? A huge price change or a sudden rental listing right after a sale can be signs something’s not right.

 3. Always ask: Who is managing the property?
If there’s no property manager or leasing company name listed, or if the person you’re talking to won’t give you one—walk away. If there is a company mentioned, look them up and check their official website. Is the rental listed there too? If not, it might be fake, or already rented out.

4. Don’t apply through third-party websites.
Scammers love to send “rental applications” via sketchy links or off-platform websites. Don’t fill out applications anywhere except verified management company or Realtor sites. When in doubt, don’t click.

 5. Never send money through unverified methods.
If someone is asking for a deposit via Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, gift cards, or wire transfer—stop. That money will be gone, and you won’t be able to get it back. Legitimate property managers won’t ask you to pay that way. (Note: I have seen private owners use these, and it was not scam, however that rarely happens)

6. Work with someone you trust.
Before you get too far, reach out to a trusted Realtor (like me!). I can look up tax records to verify who owns the home, help you contact the true owner or manager, and keep you from getting caught up in a scam. (I’m basically an online housing detective!)

The Bottom Line: Pay Attention

Please—pay attention to what you’re looking at online. Rental scams are getting more sophisticated, and they’re targeting people who are in a rush, stressed, or just trying to save money. I don’t want you to lose thousands of dollars or end up with nowhere to live because someone made a fake ad with nice pictures and a low price.

If you’re ever unsure about a rental, message me. Even if you’re not working with me as a client, I’d much rather spend 5 minutes helping you check it out than hear you got scammed.

Let’s protect each other out here. 💛