[ SCAM TYPE ]
Fake Landlord / Rental Scam
A scammer posing as a landlord or property owner met through a listing or social media builds a friendly rapport before asking for a deposit or rent payment on a property they don't actually own or control.
Last updated August 15, 2026
Typical Claimed Identity
Landlord or property owner, often claiming to live out of state or abroad
Typical Ask
An upfront fee paid before a promised benefit arrives
[ RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR ]
- Owner claims to be unavailable to show the property in person
- Asks for payment via wire transfer or gift card before signing a lease
- Listing price is noticeably below similar properties nearby
- Photos of the property appear elsewhere online under a different listing
- Refuses a standard lease or background-check process
- Creates urgency by claiming other renters are interested
[ SOURCES ]
[ OTHER SCAM TYPES ]