It's very exciting when you find the perfect rental home or apartment, but scammers know this and are constantly trying to take advantage of eager renters. From fake listing photos to upfront payment demands, rental scams are all too common. However, with awareness and caution, you can avoid falling victim. Here are 5 of the most prevalent rental scams along with tips on how to spot and steer clear of them.
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The Phishing Scam
You find a great listing online for a property that's just within your budget. The description seems too good to be true. It probably is. The scammer will ask for personal information like your name, email, phone number, and more under the guise of running a routine credit check or background check before allowing you to see the property. They may even claim to have already received multiple applications and require an upfront deposit to "hold" the unit for you.
How to avoid: Be very wary of any listing that asks for sensitive information or money before you've had the chance to see the actual unit. Reputable landlords will want to meet you in person first before collecting deposits or applications. Never wire money or provide bank account numbers to someone you haven't met. If a listing seems fake or pushes for immediate payment, it's best to move on.
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The Bait and Switch
You find and contact a listing that appears normal. When you go to view the unit, the landlord or property manager claims it's no longer available but has a "similar" unit they want to show you instead. The substitute unit is usually in worse condition or more expensive than originally advertised. They'll try pressuring you into applying or paying on the spot for the subpar replacement.
How to avoid: Insist on only seeing the exact unit described in the online listing before committing to anything. Don't get swayed by promises of other available options without verifying the original is genuinely taken. Be prepared to walk away if pressured into a bait and switch tactic. Reputable landlords won't switch units last minute or force sudden decisions.
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The Duplicate Listing Scam
Scammers love to copy real active rental listings and recreate them with a fake contact email or phone number. Everything about the stolen listing appears completely legitimate until you try contacting the fraudulent source. This is why it's crucial to only work directly with the actual listing contacts provided on reputable rental sites.
How to avoid: Do a reverse image search of the listing photos to check if they've been duplicated elsewhere. Be wary of listings with minimal or generic details. Confirm the listing agent's name and company match public records for that property address. Don't rely solely on photos or descriptions - speak directly to the listing contacts posted before pursuing a duplicate scam.
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The Lease without a Property Scam
In this scam, you'll be shown fake but convincing lease documents to trick you into sending an advanced payment or deposit for a rental that doesn't truly exist. The scammer disappears as soon as funds are received, leaving victims with no recourse.
How to avoid: Never sign any lease agreements or pay deposits without first viewing the physical unit and verifying the landlord's identity. Legitimate managers won't rush you through paperwork before touring their properties. Be suspicious of any lease requests or payment demands made solely through email before meeting in person.
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The Overpayment Scam
A variation involves real landlords or property managers but the scammer gets to prospective renters first via classifieds or social media. They request the security deposit and first month's rent be sent via money transfer apps like Cash App or Venmo claiming it's for the listed unit. But unbeknownst to victims, they've already paid above the actual rent amount. Of course, there's no real follow through from the scammer after getting overpaid.
How to avoid: Always arrange rental showings, applications, and payments through the verified contact information listed directly on the official rental listing, whether it's found through an agent, landlord, or platform like Zillow. Don't deal with strangers alleging to have inside connections without confirmation. And carefully review details like addresses and rent prices to avoid accidentally overpaying.
As the rental market remains competitive, scammers continue finding new ways to prey on apartment hunters. Staying vigilant, trusting your instincts, and only working with verified sources can help protect you. Taking the extra precautions outlined above like reverse image searches and meeting face-to-face should have you avoiding these common rental scams in no time at all. With awareness and the right precautions, you'll be empowered to find and secure your new home safely.
