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How to spot a rental scam
Never pay before you've seen the place and signed a lease.
Rental scammers copy real listings, post them at low prices, and ask for a deposit before you've seen the apartment. The money is gone, and so is the "landlord".
Red flags
- Rent far below similar places nearby
- The "owner" is away and can't show the apartment
- Pressure to pay a deposit to "hold" it before you visit
- Requests to pay by wire, gift card, cryptocurrency or a payment app
- No lease, or a lease sent before any viewing
Protect yourself
- See the apartment in person, or have someone you trust do it
- Search the address and the listing photos online
- Check property records to confirm who owns it
- Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
General educational information. Tenant laws vary by state and city. Smart Penny Path isn't paid by any landlord, listing site, mover or insurer.