How-to guide
Rental and apartment scams
Rental scams list a real-looking apartment at an attractive price, then pressure you to pay a deposit to "hold" it — for a place the scammer doesn't own and you'll never see.
Red flags of a rental scam
- You're asked to pay a deposit before viewing in person.
- The "landlord" is conveniently out of the country and can't show it.
- Payment by wire, gift card, or Zelle to a stranger.
- A price noticeably below similar listings nearby.
- Copied listing photos that appear on other sites.
How to stay safe
Never pay before viewing the property and verifying the owner. Reverse-image-search the photos. Use traceable payment and a written lease. Run the listing or messages through Scam Doctor if anything feels off.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay a deposit to hold an apartment I haven't seen?
No. Paying before an in-person viewing is the classic rental-scam trap. Verify the property and owner first, and use traceable payment.
How do I check if a rental listing is real?
Reverse-image-search the photos, confirm the owner and address independently, and paste the listing or messages into Scam Doctor.