Finding the perfect rental home or apartment can be exciting—but it can also be risky if you’re not careful. Rental scams are becoming increasingly common, especially as more people search for listings online. Scammers often take advantage of eager renters by creating fake listings, impersonating landlords, or asking for upfront payments before a lease is signed.

To help you protect yourself, here’s a breakdown of the most common rental scams, how to recognize them, and what you can do to stay safe.

1. The “Too Good to Be True” Listing

If you come across a rental that looks perfect and is priced significantly below market value, be cautious. Scammers often post fake listings using stolen photos from legitimate ads to attract unsuspecting renters.

Red Flags:

• Rent is far lower than similar properties in the area.

• The listing is vague or lacks details.

• The “landlord” pressures you to send a deposit immediately.

Tip: Always compare rental prices in the same neighborhood and verify the property’s address through a quick online search or public record.

2. Fake Landlords or Property Managers

Some scammers pose as landlords or property managers to collect deposits or rent payments. They may even create fake lease agreements and send convincing emails.

Red Flags:

• The person avoids meeting in person or showing the property.

• Communication happens only through text or messaging apps.

• They request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Tip: Always meet the landlord or agent face-to-face (or via video call if necessary) and verify their identity. Never send money until you’ve seen the property and confirmed the owner’s details.

3. Hijacked Listings

This scam happens when someone copies a legitimate rental listing, changes the contact information, and reposts it elsewhere. When renters respond, the scammer poses as the owner to collect deposits.

Red Flags:

• The same listing appears with different contact details on multiple sites.

• The email or phone number doesn’t match the original source.

Tip: Check the listing across multiple platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, or Apartments.com to confirm its authenticity.

4. Upfront Application or Viewing Fees

Some scammers ask for “application fees” or “viewing deposits” before you even see the property. Once you send the money, they disappear.

Red Flags:

• Requests for payment before viewing the home.

• No legitimate rental application or background check process.

Tip: Most reputable landlords or property managers will never ask for payment before showing a property. Only submit fees through verified rental platforms or management companies.

5. Subletting Scams

In this scheme, a tenant illegally sublets a property without the landlord’s permission—or a scammer pretends to sublet a property they don’t own.

Red Flags:

• The person can’t provide proof of ownership or lease authorization.

• Lease terms seem unusually short or unclear.

Tip: Confirm with the property owner or management company that subletting is allowed before signing anything.

6. Phishing Scams

Some rental scams don’t involve money upfront but aim to steal your personal information. These scammers use fake websites or email links to collect sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank account information.

Red Flags:

• Links lead to websites with strange URLs or misspelled words.

• Requests for personal data before a viewing.

Tip: Avoid sharing private information until you verify the legitimacy of the rental. Always check that websites use secure connections (https://).

How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

• Research the landlord or property management company. Look up their business license or reviews online.

• Avoid paying with cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Use secure payment methods when possible.

• Verify property ownership. You can check public property records to confirm the listed owner’s name.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off or rushed, it probably is.

• Work with licensed agents. Especially in competitive markets like Massachusetts, an experienced REALTOR® can help you avoid suspicious listings.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a rental scam:

• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

• Contact your local police department.

• Notify the rental platform (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Zillow) immediately to have the fake listing removed.

Rental scams can happen to anyone—but by knowing the warning signs and taking the right precautions, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Always verify the legitimacy of listings, meet landlords in person, and never send money before seeing a property.

Being cautious and informed is the best way to find a rental safely and confidently.

Matt Witte strives to be the best realtor in Andover, MA.

Any questions about real estate, reach out to Matt Witte, Andover Realtor, MA