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Housing and rental scams
Updated Nov 4, 2026
Scammers post fake rentals to get your deposit before you find out the place isn't real.
In short
- Rent that is much lower than nearby places can be a scam sign.[1]
- Never pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. It's like sending cash.[1]
- A landlord doesn't need your Social Security number until you agree to rent.[1]
Warning signs
- The owner is "out of the country" and can't show the place.[1]
- They push you to decide right away.[1]
- The same address shows up in other ads with a different owner.[1]
- The home is listed for sale, not for rent.[1]
Check before you pay
- Search the address with the owner's or company's name.[1]
- Search the name with words like "scam" or "complaint."[1]
- Check the county's property tax records to see who owns it.[1]
- For vacation rentals, get the contract before you send a deposit.[1]
If something goes wrong
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the website where you saw the ad, local police and your state attorney general.[1]
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