Faced with the urgency of finding a place to live and a rental market marked by imbalance, some prospective tenants fall into traps set by unscrupulous individuals. Yes, real estate scams exist—and they can cost victims dearly. Fortunately, with the right information and awareness, you can significantly reduce the risk.
To help you, we’ve compiled a guide to the most common rental scams and tips on how to spot them.
Getting Money Quickly and Easily
The most common scam involves asking for money as quickly as possible. The scammer posts a fake rental ad on a private listing website, then asks for a payment—often the rental deposit—before you even visit the property.
They may claim they live far away and won’t travel for a visit unless you’re serious about signing the lease. They exploit your urgency to extort money.
👉 How to avoid it? Never send money before visiting the property, no matter what excuse is given.
Collecting Your Personal Data
Identity theft is another common consequence of rental scams. The scammer asks for personal documents like your ID card, payslips, or tax documents—supposedly to prepare the lease. These can later be used to impersonate you or commit fraud.
👉 How to avoid it? Never send your ID documents before a visit. Use watermarking tools if you must send documents online.
How to Spot a Rental Scam?
Too Good to Be True
If the rent is unusually low, be wary. It may not be a good deal—it could be bait to attract as many victims as possible.
A False Sense of Urgency
If you’re pressured to act fast or send money/documents urgently, it’s a red flag. Scammers use urgency to push victims into decisions without thinking.
Fake Photos
With AI tools, scammers can easily generate fake property photos. Use reverse image searches on Google to see if the photos were taken from elsewhere. Even if nothing turns up, ask for more pictures via email to confirm authenticity.
💡 Want to avoid scams? Work with a licensed real estate agency—it’s the best way to ensure a safe and stress-free rental process.
