How do I get my money back after a rental scam?
If you paid by credit card or PayPal, file a dispute immediately. For wire or bank transfer, contact your bank for a recall. Report the listing to the platform and local police.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Rental scams involve fake or hijacked property listings — scammers copy real listings, post them at lower prices, and collect deposits or first-month rent from multiple victims before vanishing. They are particularly common on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even mainstream rental platforms where listings are user-generated.
Recovery depends on payment method. If you paid by credit card — even for a 'hold' or 'admin fee' — file a chargeback for non-delivery of services. This is usually straightforward. If you paid by bank transfer or wire, call your bank's fraud line immediately and ask for a recall. The window is narrow but worth trying. If paid by Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo, report through those apps and escalate to your bank.
Report the scam listing to the platform where you found it. Provide the listing URL, the scammer's contact information, and your payment receipt. Major platforms take down fraudulent listings and some have victim support programs. Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and file a police report — you will need it if you were also asked to sign a fraudulent lease, which could complicate your credit or rental history.
In cases where you physically went to view a property and handed over cash, recovery is very difficult. Future protection: never pay a deposit before verifying with the actual property owner or management company directly, and never wire or cash-transfer money internationally for a rental.
Common red flags
- Rent is significantly below market rate for the area
- Landlord is abroad and cannot show the property in person
- Deposit required before you can view the property
- Listing photos appear on multiple sites with different prices
- Landlord communicates only via email or messaging apps
- Application fee required to be paid by wire transfer or gift card
What to do now
- Dispute the charge with your credit card, debit card, or PayPal if paid that way
- Call your bank for a wire or bank transfer recall if applicable
- Report the fraudulent listing to the platform immediately
- File a police report — get the report number
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Visit /recovery for payment-specific guidance
Frequently asked questions
I signed a fake lease — do I have any legal exposure?
A lease signed with a fraudster who did not own the property is not legally binding on you. However, document that you were scammed (police report, screenshots) in case the real landlord has issues with your presence at the property.
How can I verify a rental listing is legitimate?
Cross-check the address on Google Maps and compare to the listing photos. Call the building's management company using a number found independently. Search the property on county tax records to find the real owner. Reverse-image-search the photos to detect duplicated listings.