Rental scam
A fraud in which a fake landlord or property agent advertises a property that doesn't exist or isn't available, collecting a deposit or advance rent before disappearing.
Also known as: property fraud, fake landlord scam, holiday rental fraud
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Rental scams typically involve listing a real-looking property — often copied from legitimate listings with photos — at an attractive below-market price. When potential tenants contact the 'landlord', they are given reasons why they cannot view the property in person (owner is abroad, property is currently occupied, keys will be posted) but are asked to secure it with a holding deposit or advance rent payment.
Once the money is sent — typically by bank transfer — the fraudster disappears or concocts reasons for further payments. The property either belongs to someone else or the photos are entirely fabricated.
The pressure mechanism is artificial urgency: 'I have many other interested tenants — you must confirm today.' Viewing a property in person before paying any money, and verifying the landlord's identity and right to rent, are the primary safeguards.