In today’s tight housing market, finding a rental can feel like winning the lottery — and scammers are cashing in on the desperation. Rental scams have exploded in 2024, with fake listings, impersonated landlords, and phishing tactics draining victims’ bank accounts before they even step foot inside a property.
It often starts with a gorgeous listing at an unbelievable price. The apartment photos are real — lifted from legitimate real estate sites — and the ad copy is flawless. When a hopeful renter reaches out, the scammer responds quickly, sometimes posing as an out-of-town landlord or a property manager who "can’t show the unit yet." They pressure the victim to wire a security deposit or first month’s rent immediately to “hold” the property. Once the money is sent, the scammer vanishes without a trace.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports that rental scams cost Americans over $400 million in 2024 — and this trend is getting worse. Young adults, especially college students and recent grads, are the most frequent targets, but families relocating for work are increasingly falling victim too.
Experts say the most common red flags include:
- Asking for payments via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Refusing to meet in person or show the property
- Prices that seem “too good to be true”
- Landlords who avoid answering specific questions about the property
Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even Zillow have been flooded with fake listings. While platforms have tried to beef up security, scammers are getting smarter — sometimes even hacking legitimate realtor accounts to post fraudulent ads.
Victims of these scams not only lose thousands of dollars but also face major emotional stress. "It’s devastating," says Lauren Mitchell, a San Diego teacher who wired $2,200 for a rental that didn’t exist. "We had nowhere to go, and our moving truck was already packed."
Authorities urge renters to verify listings independently. Always meet the landlord in person, never wire money to strangers, and double-check ownership records through local county offices or legitimate brokers.
Meanwhile, scam artists continue evolving their tactics. As long as housing demand stays sky-high, rental scams will remain an ugly reality for would-be renters everywhere.