Checked
Written from official fraud-agency notices. Every figure and piece of advice is checked against the sources listed at the bottom.
What we found
Set out in the same plain format as reader reports.
- What kind of scam?
- Fake shops and sellers
- In short
- Scammers copy a real listing or invent one at a low rent, then ask for a deposit and personal documents before you can see the place.
- How does it reach you?
- Listing website
- What does the message look like?
- Example message written by us.Thanks for your interest. I am out of the country for work, so I cannot show you the flat. Send the deposit and a copy of your ID to hold it. Others are waiting.
- How can you spot it?
- The owner cannot show the place
"Out of the country" is a classic excuse. - Rent far below similar homes
A home listed for sale instead of rent is a big red flag. - Payment by wire, gift card or crypto
The FTC says these work the same as sending cash. - Documents before you agree
Most landlords pull a credit score themselves.
- The owner cannot show the place
- Is it growing?
- It is ongoing
- Where do I report it?
- FTC ReportFraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FTC ReportFraud
If this happened to you
- Search the address with the owner's name. Check the company's own website for the listing.
- Visit the property in person and ask the agent for ID and a business card.
- Never give personal or financial information to someone you only met in an ad.
- Report it to the website where it was posted, your local police, and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources (1)
Sources
- US Federal Trade Commission: Rental listing scams (Checked 18 Oct 2026)