Audience page
Scams targeting renters
Renters are targeted through the urgency of housing searches: fake listings with real photos, stolen deposit payments, lease fraud, and landlord impersonation. These scams work because rental markets move fast and applicants feel pressure to secure housing before it disappears.
Common searches
Why this audience gets targeted
- Rental markets create urgency that makes applicants act fast and skip verification steps.
- Scammers copy real listings with photos and details, making fake rentals nearly indistinguishable from real ones.
- Security deposits and first-month payments are large sums sent before move-in, which is the perfect setup for fraud.
What to check first
- Never send a deposit or first month's rent without physically visiting the property or verifying the landlord's identity.
- Reverse-image-search listing photos and compare the address across multiple listing sites to spot copied listings.
- Be suspicious if a landlord cannot meet in person, claims to be out of the country, or only accepts wire transfers or gift cards.
Marketplace rental deposit scam
A fake landlord advertises a good rental deal on a marketplace and pushes for a deposit before any real viewing or lease.
Never send a rental deposit before a verified viewing and lease.
Renters
Global
Fake escrow release marketplace scam
A seller insists on a private escrow site that mimics a trusted payment service and claims funds are protected there.
Use only major payment tools or in-person transactions you can verify.
Collectors
Global
Lawsuit settlement recovery scam
A fake legal team says your prior scam loss is part of a settlement, but court taxes or release fees are needed before payment.
Independently verify any legal claim before sending release fees.
Prior fraud victims
Global
Vacation rental clone site scam
A scam site copies a legitimate property listing and captures direct payment outside the real booking platform.
Cross-check the property on the official platform before paying.
Vacation renters
Global
Airline luggage fee link scam
A message says your bag will not board unless you settle an outstanding luggage or customs fee through a link.
Check baggage status in the airline app instead of using the message.
Air travelers
Global
Withdrawal fee wealth app scam
A fake wealth app shows profits but demands taxes, verification fees, or liquidity unlock payments before funds can be released.
Do not pay extra fees to release fake gains.
Retail investors
Global
Utility account identity fraud
Identity details are used to open power, gas, or telecom accounts that generate bills in the victim's name.
Report fraudulent accounts and place a fraud alert or freeze with bureaus.
Renters
Global
Fake shipping protection escrow scam
A marketplace deal moves to a fake escrow or shipping-protection service that asks the buyer to release funds before delivery is verified.
Use only the platform's native checkout or a payment method with real buyer protection.
Buyers
Global
Vacation rental key deposit scam
A traveler is told a last-minute key release or cleaning deposit must be paid separately before check-in, outside the booking platform.
Treat off-platform check-in payments as suspicious until the provider confirms them inside the official system.
Families
Global
Inheritance release romance scam
A romantic contact says money is tied up in inheritance, customs, or attorney fees and asks the victim to help unlock it so they can be together.
Do not send funds to unlock inheritance, estates, or cross-border transfers for a romantic contact.
Older adults
Global
Sugar dating verification fee scam
A match says they want to send support or begin an arrangement, but first the victim must pay a small verification or transfer-release fee.
Do not pay any fee to receive money from a stranger who claims to be setting up support.
Students
Global
Customs duty release scam
A shipment or parcel is said to be held by customs, and the victim must clear it with a duty payment and identity upload through a fake portal.
Check the shipment directly with the courier or customs office using a trusted channel.
Online shoppers
Global
inheritance from unknown relative scam
Scammers pose as attorneys or bank officials claiming the victim has inherited money from a distant or unknown relative, requiring fees to release the funds.
Verify any inheritance claim through an independent attorney, not through contacts provided in the email
Older adults
Global
fake Zillow listing rental scam
Scammers copy real property listings from Zillow and repost them at below-market rent, then collect deposits from multiple victims for a property they do not own.
Reverse image search listing photos to check if they appear on other sites.
Renters
U.S.
Craigslist apartment rental scam
A listing on Craigslist advertises an apartment at a great price, but the poster does not own or have authority to rent the property.
Always view the property in person before sending any money.
Renters
U.S.
vacation rental clone scam
Scammers clone legitimate vacation rental listings from Airbnb or Vrbo and offer them on third-party sites, collecting payment for properties they do not control.
Book and pay only through official platforms that offer payment protection.
Travelers
U.S.
roommate scam
A person posing as a prospective roommate sends a check for more than the agreed amount and asks the victim to wire back the difference before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the agreed amount from a stranger.
Students
U.S.
rental deposit wire fraud scam
A supposed landlord insists that the security deposit and first month's rent be wired before move-in, then disappears after receiving the funds.
Never wire money to a landlord you have not met — wire transfers cannot be reversed.
Relocating workers
U.S.
sight-unseen rental scam
A scammer targets people relocating to a new city by offering a rental that cannot be viewed in person, then collecting payment for a property that is not available.
Ask a trusted local contact to visit the property on your behalf or arrange a live video walkthrough.
Relocating workers
U.S.
fake landlord scam
A person poses as the landlord of a property they do not own, showing it to prospective tenants and collecting deposits before the real owner discovers the scheme.
Verify the landlord's identity by checking property ownership records at the county assessor's office.
Renters
U.S.
sublease scam
A current tenant subleases an apartment without the landlord's permission, collecting rent from the new occupant who is then evicted when the fraud is discovered.
Demand written proof that the landlord has approved the sublease arrangement.
Students
U.S.
short-term rental scam
A listing for a short-term rental — often targeting business travelers — takes payment but the property does not exist or is not as described upon arrival.
Book through established platforms that hold payment until check-in is verified.
Business travelers
U.S.
housing list fee scam
A service charges a fee for access to rental listings that are freely available on public sites, outdated, or already rented.
Search free listing sites first — most legitimate rentals are listed publicly.
Renters
U.S.
power company disconnection threat scam
Scammers call or text pretending to be your electric utility, claiming your power will be shut off within hours unless you pay immediately via gift card or wire transfer.
Hang up and call your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website
Homeowners
U.S.
water bill overdue scam
Fraudsters send official-looking texts or emails claiming your water bill is overdue and your service will be suspended unless you click a link and pay immediately.
Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails about utility bills — log in to your account directly through the official website
Homeowners
U.S.
solar panel door-to-door scam
High-pressure door-to-door salespeople misrepresent solar panel costs, savings, and government incentive programs to lock homeowners into predatory contracts or collect large upfront deposits.
Never sign a contract on the same day — take time to get competing quotes from licensed solar installers
Homeowners
U.S.
utility rebate phishing scam
Scammers send emails or texts posing as your utility, claiming you qualify for an energy rebate or refund, then steal your bank details through a fake claim form.
Do not click links in unsolicited rebate offers — visit your utility company website directly to check for legitimate programs
Homeowners
U.S.
utility overpayment refund scam
Scammers call claiming you overpaid your utility bill and need to provide bank details or remote computer access so they can process your refund, then drain your account.
Hang up and call your utility company directly — legitimate overpayments are credited to your next bill automatically
Homeowners
U.S.
broadband internet service scam
Fraudsters impersonate internet service providers, calling to offer fake discounts, upgrades, or to fix non-existent connection problems, then steal payment or personal information.
Hang up on unsolicited ISP calls and contact your provider directly using the number on your bill
Homeowners
U.S.
cashier's check fraud
Scammers produce convincing counterfeit cashier's checks that initially pass bank verification but are later returned as fraudulent.
Call the issuing bank directly using a number from their official website to verify any cashier's check.
Sellers
U.S.
counterfeit money order scam
Fraudsters create fake money orders that closely resemble genuine USPS or Western Union instruments but are ultimately worthless.
Verify money orders by calling the issuer directly — USPS at 1-866-459-7822 for postal money orders.
Sellers
U.S.
rental deposit check scam
A fake landlord sends a check for more than the deposit, then asks the prospective tenant to wire back the excess before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the agreed amount in any rental transaction.
Renters
U.S.
vacation rental timeshare conversion scam
A company promises to convert a timeshare into a vacation rental property that will generate income, but the conversion is a fiction and fees are pocketed.
Verify that any rental management company is a licensed real estate broker in the state where the timeshare property is located.
Timeshare owners
U.S.
DHL customs payment scam
A message posing as DHL claims your international package is held at customs and requires a fee to be released, directing you to a fraudulent payment portal.
Verify customs charges directly through the official DHL website using your tracking number.
Online shoppers
U.S.
package held at customs scam
Scammers send messages claiming your international package is stuck at customs and you must pay a fee or provide identification to release it, leading to financial theft or identity fraud.
Verify any customs charges by contacting the shipping carrier or customs broker directly.
Online shoppers
U.S.
webcam blackmail email scam
A mass-sent email claims the sender hacked your webcam and recorded you during intimate activity, demanding cryptocurrency payment to prevent release of the footage.
Do not reply or send any payment — these are mass-sent with no actual footage.
Adults
U.S.
rideshare vehicle rental scam
A scammer offers to rent a vehicle to aspiring rideshare drivers at inflated rates with predatory terms, often using a car that does not meet platform safety requirements.
Use official rideshare rental programs like Uber's vehicle marketplace or Hertz partnership instead of private listings.
Rideshare users
U.S.
merit award notification scam
An unsolicited email or letter congratulates you on winning a merit-based scholarship you never applied for, then asks for a disbursement fee or tax payment to release the funds.
Remember that you cannot win a scholarship you never applied for — treat unsolicited awards as scams.
High school students
U.S.
Zelle rental deposit scam
A fake landlord lists an apartment at below-market rent and demands a Zelle deposit to hold the unit — once paid, the 'landlord' disappears and the listing turns out to be stolen from a legitimate property.
Never send a rental deposit via Zelle or any peer-to-peer app without first seeing the property in person and verifying the landlord's identity.
Renters
U.S.
Cash App clearance fee scam
A scammer claims you have a large incoming Cash App payment that requires a clearance fee or tax payment before it can be deposited to your account — the incoming payment does not exist.
You never need to pay a fee to receive money on Cash App — this is always a scam.
Cash App users
U.S.
Craigslist fake rental listing scam
Scammers post fake rental listings using photos stolen from legitimate real estate sites, collecting deposits and first month's rent from multiple victims for properties they do not own.
Never send money for a rental you have not physically visited — verify the property exists and the 'landlord' owns it.
Renters
U.S.
Craigslist moving service bait-and-switch scam
A moving company on Craigslist offers a low quote, then holds belongings hostage on the truck and demands a much higher payment on moving day.
Only hire movers with a valid USDOT number (verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) and positive reviews on multiple platforms.
Renters
U.S.
Uber rental car bait-and-switch scam
Drivers using Uber Rent or third-party rental vehicles swap confirmed car details at the last minute, arriving in a different vehicle and sometimes charging additional fees off-platform.
Never get into a vehicle that does not match the details in your Uber app — make, model, color, and license plate must all match.
Uber riders
U.S.
Airbnb off-platform payment request scam
Hosts convince guests to pay outside the Airbnb platform to avoid service fees, leaving travelers with no payment protection and often no actual reservation.
Never pay for an Airbnb stay outside the Airbnb platform — the platform's payment system includes guest protection and dispute resolution.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb fake listing photos scam
Scammers use stolen or heavily edited photos to advertise properties on Airbnb that either do not exist, are significantly different from what is shown, or belong to someone else.
Use reverse image search on listing photos to check if they appear elsewhere online.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb bait-and-switch property scam
Guests book an appealing property on Airbnb but upon arrival, the host claims an issue and moves them to a significantly inferior property with no refund option.
Contact Airbnb support immediately if a host tries to relocate you — do not accept a switch without Airbnb's involvement.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb fake host identity scam
Scammers create Airbnb host accounts using stolen identities and list properties they do not own or control, collecting payments that disappear before check-in.
Book with Superhosts or hosts with extensive verified review histories whenever possible.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb hidden camera privacy scam
Some Airbnb hosts install hidden cameras in their properties to record guests in private spaces, violating privacy laws and potentially using footage for extortion or voyeurism.
Scan the property upon arrival — check for unusual objects with tiny holes, use your phone camera to detect infrared lights, and scan the Wi-Fi network for unknown devices.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb damage claim extortion scam
Hosts file fraudulent damage claims against guests after checkout, submitting fake or pre-existing damage photos to collect repair fees through Airbnb's resolution center.
Photograph the entire property at check-in and check-out to have timestamped evidence of its condition.
Travelers
U.S.
Airbnb last-minute cancellation scam
Hosts cancel confirmed bookings at the last minute when they find they can charge a higher price to another guest, leaving the original traveler stranded without accommodation.
Report the cancellation to Airbnb and request rebooking assistance — Airbnb's AirCover may help find comparable accommodation.
Travelers
U.S.
USPS customs fee payment scam
Phishing messages claim a USPS international package is held at customs and a fee must be paid online to release it, directing victims to fraudulent payment pages.
USPS collects customs duties at the time of delivery or through an official notice mailed to your address — never through email or text links.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Zillow fake listing contact form scam
Scammers create fake property listings on Zillow with below-market prices and use the contact form to redirect interested renters or buyers to off-platform communication where they extract deposits or personal information.
Never send money for a rental without touring the property in person and verifying the landlord's identity.
Renters
U.S.
Zillow agent impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate licensed real estate agents listed on Zillow, contacting potential buyers or renters to collect personal financial information or upfront fees under the guise of facilitating a transaction.
Verify any agent's identity by calling their brokerage directly using the number listed on the brokerage website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
Zillow rental application fee scam
A fake landlord on Zillow charges non-refundable application fees for a property they do not own, collecting fees from multiple applicants for the same listing.
Verify property ownership through your county's property assessor website before paying any fees.
Renters
U.S.
Zillow fake property management scam
Scammers pose as property management companies on Zillow listings, collecting rent payments and security deposits for properties they have no authority to lease.
Verify the property management company through the property owner or county assessor records.
Renters
U.S.
roommate finder scam
Fake roommate listings on housing boards and apps collect deposits and first-month rent from students for apartments that do not exist or are not controlled by the scammer.
Never send money for housing you have not visited in person or verified through the university's official housing office.
College students
U.S.
fake vacation rental scam
Scammers post fake vacation rental listings using photos stolen from legitimate properties, collect full payment or deposits, then leave travelers with no accommodation upon arrival.
Book and pay only through the official platform (Airbnb, Vrbo) and never send money outside the platform.
Travelers
U.S.
rental car bait-and-switch scam
Third-party booking sites advertise rental cars at prices far below market, then add hidden fees at pickup or provide a lower-class vehicle while charging for the reserved one.
Book rental cars directly from established companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) or through well-known platforms like Kayak or Google Flights.
Travelers
U.S.
campus apartment deposit scam
Scammers list fake apartments near college campuses at below-market rates and collect security deposits and first-month rent from multiple students for properties they do not own.
Never send money for a rental you have not physically visited or verified through the property management company.
College students
U.S.
immigration bond scam
Scammers contact families of detained immigrants and demand fraudulent bond payments to secure the detainee's release, impersonating ICE officials or bondsmen.
Contact the detention facility directly or use the ICE detainee locator at locator.ice.gov to verify bond amounts and payment procedures.
Immigrants
U.S.
parental control app scam
Fake parental control apps advertised to concerned parents actually contain spyware that monitors the parent's device instead, stealing banking credentials and personal data.
Only install parental control apps from established developers available in the official app stores, such as Bark, Qustodio, or Google Family Link.
Parents
U.S.
deepfake kidnapping ransom video scam
Criminals create AI deepfake videos of a victim's family member appearing to be in distress or captivity, then demand ransom payment for their safe release.
Hang up and immediately try to contact the supposedly kidnapped family member directly.
Parents
U.S.
deepfake real estate agent scam
Scammers use AI deepfake video to impersonate a real estate agent or property owner on video calls, redirecting earnest money deposits or rental payments to fraudulent accounts.
Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company or real estate brokerage at their publicly listed phone number.
Home buyers
U.S.
real estate listing QR code scam
Fraudulent QR codes on real estate signs or flyers redirect prospective buyers and renters to fake listing sites that collect personal information and application fees for properties the scammer does not own.
Verify property listings through official platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or your local MLS.
Home buyers
U.S.
fake rent relief program scam
Scammers create fake rent assistance programs with professional-looking websites, collecting application fees and personal data from tenants struggling to pay rent.
Apply for rent assistance only through official government channels at your state or county housing authority.
Renters
U.S.
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