Introduction

Finding a rental property can be stressful, especially if you’re searching from a long distance or need to move quickly. Unfortunately, rental scams are on the rise, and scammers are getting more creative in deceiving prospective renters. A major challenge arises when tenants have to rent sight-unseen, meaning they book a rental without physically visiting the property. This situation increases the risk of falling into fraudulent traps.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of rental scams, how to spot them, and what you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

1. Fake Rental Listings

One of the most common rental scams involves fraudsters creating fake listings for properties that don’t exist or are not available for rent. Scammers often pull photos from real estate websites and use them to craft phony ads on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even legitimate rental sites.

How This Scam Works:

Scammers post an attractive listing with below-market rent to lure renters. When contacted, they claim to be out of town and unable to show the property. They insist on securing the unit with a security deposit or first month’s rent. Once the payment is sent, the scammer disappears, and the listing vanishes. Some fraudsters even go as far as fabricating fake lease agreements to create a false sense of legitimacy.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Rent that seems too good to be true for the area. The landlord refuses to meet in person or schedule a tour. The listing lacks details or has poor grammar and inconsistencies. You’re asked to send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. If the landlord asks you to pay through untraceable methods, that’s a strong indicator of a scam.

2. Fake Landlords and Security Deposit Scams

Some scammers impersonate landlords and trick renters into paying upfront fees before disappearing. However, it’s not just fake landlords running this scam—scammy tenants also take advantage of this trick. As their lease approaches its end, these dishonest tenants pose as landlords and list the unit as available for rent. They lure unsuspecting renters, collect deposits, and disappear before their actual move-out date.

How This Scam Works:

The scammer pretends to be the property owner or rental agent. They arrange a meeting at the unit (which they don’t own) or use fake documents to appear legitimate. They request a deposit or first month’s rent and sometimes even a background check fee. Once the money is paid, they cut off contact and leave the renter without a home. Some even go as far as stealing real landlords’ identities, making their scam seem even more convincing. In cases where tenants execute this scam, they may use their existing lease access to give tours of the property, fooling renters into believing it’s a legitimate transaction.

Red Flags to Watch For:

The person rushes you to pay without a formal lease agreement. They refuse to provide ownership proof (e.g., title deed, landlord ID verification). The communication is only via email or messaging apps with no official contact details. Be cautious if the landlord provides excuses about why they can’t meet you in person, such as being on an overseas trip. Additionally, if you go for a viewing, look for signs that the person showing the unit is actually preparing to move out, such as packed clothes, suitcases, or other moving supplies. If you see these signs, ask direct questions about their connection to the property.

3. Inaccurate Listings with Misleading Photos

Some listings are real but deceptive, showing edited or outdated photos that don’t reflect the actual property condition.

How This Scam Works:

The landlord or agent posts staged, edited, or old photos. They may use wide-angle shots or Photoshop to make the unit look bigger and better. Once you move in, you realize the property has damages, mold, or missing features that were hidden. Some scammers also use photos from when the unit was newly built but fail to disclose major wear and tear.

Red Flags to Watch For:

The photos look too perfect, like they’re from a magazine. The landlord refuses a live video tour. Reviews from previous tenants mention misrepresentation. If you see multiple listings with the same photos but different addresses, that’s a clear sign of a scam.

The Biggest Problem: Renting from a Distance

The best way to avoid rental scams is to never send money or sign a lease without seeing the unit. However, this isn’t always possible, especially when moving to another city or country.

When you have to rent sight-unseen, you’re at a higher risk of scams. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

How to Rent Safely from a Distance:

If you know someone in the area, have them verify the place and landlord. Platforms like Renvfy help connect renters with local individuals who can visit the property on their behalf, ensuring the listing information is accurate and allowing renters to make more informed decisions. One of the key benefits of booking a local viewer through systems like Renvfy is that, unlike landlords who may control what they show during a virtual tour, these independent viewers have no connection to the landlord. This means they will provide a transparent and unbiased view of the property, just as if you were visiting the place yourself. This added layer of objectivity can help renters avoid hidden issues that might not be apparent in a landlord-led virtual tour.

If a local viewer isn’t an option, the next best step is to request a live virtual tour directly from the landlord. Ask them to show not only the key features but also less-advertised areas such as closets, windows, and exterior surroundings to get a complete picture of the property. Verify the landlord’s identity by searching their name online, checking public records, and asking for ownership proof. Read online reviews to see if past tenants’ experiences match the description. Use secure payment methods and never send money via wire transfer or cash apps—always pay through official platforms. Additionally, consider checking the property address on Google Maps to confirm its legitimacy.

Other Common Rental Scams to Watch Out For

Sublet Scams

Someone rents a property, then illegally sublets it at a higher price without the landlord’s consent. These scammers may even collect deposits from multiple renters for the same unit, leaving the real landlord and the tenants in legal trouble.

Bait-and-Switch Scam

The property in the ad isn’t available, but you’re pressured into renting a different one at a higher price. This scam is common among fraudulent property management companies that use misleading marketing tactics.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

Scammers use ultra-low prices to lure renters into sending money quickly. If the rent is significantly lower than comparable units in the area, take it as a warning sign.

Fake Rental Agencies

Some scammers create fake property management companies that collect application fees and deposits but never deliver a real rental.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you fall victim to a rental scam, act quickly to minimize losses. Report the scam to local law enforcement and the rental platform. Contact your bank to see if payments can be reversed. Warn others by leaving reviews and reporting fraudulent listings. File a complaint with consumer protection agencies like the FTC (U.S.), Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or Better Business Bureau. If you provided personal information, consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft.

Final Thoughts

Rental scams are a growing concern, but by staying vigilant and following best practices, you can protect yourself from fraudsters. Never send money or sign a lease without verifying the property in person or through a trusted source. If you must rent sight-unseen, take extra precautions to ensure legitimacy.

By being informed and cautious, you can secure a rental safely and avoid falling into costly traps. When in doubt, trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s better to walk away than risk losing money. Happy house hunting!