06/03/2026
🚨 RENTAL SCAM ALERT — Don’t send money before you verify 🏠
We’re seeing this happen way too often.
Scammers steal photos from legitimate listings, repost homes for rent at attractive prices, then pressure people to send deposits before ever seeing the property.
Here are some quick ways to protect yourself:
• If the price seems too good to be true, slow down.
• Never send deposits, application fees, or security money before verifying ownership.
• See the property in person (or have someone you trust do it).
• Search the address online, if it appears for sale and for rent at the same time, ask questions.
• Verify who owns or manages the property.
• Be cautious if they refuse to meet, say they’re “out of town,” or can only communicate by text.
• Don’t trust screenshots or fake leases as proof.
• Use secure payment methods, avoid wire transfers, gift cards, Zelle to strangers, or crypto.
• Ask for a live video walkthrough with real-time interaction if you can’t visit.
• When possible, work with a licensed real estate professional or verified property manager.
One of the biggest red flags:
“Send the deposit now so nobody else takes it.”
Pressure is part of the scam.
Please share this with somebody looking for housing right now may really need to see it.