How does a rental scam work?
Rental scams post attractive properties at below-market prices, collect deposits from multiple victims, and disappear before any viewing takes place — leaving everyone without accommodation or money.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
The fraudster sources property photos and descriptions from legitimate listings, often in other cities or countries, and reposts them on rental platforms at a price slightly below market rate. The listing is designed to attract urgency: good value prompts quick responses. When prospective tenants inquire, the scammer plays the role of a busy landlord or property manager who cannot show the property in person right now.
A variety of plausible excuses are offered: the landlord is abroad for work, a missionary posting, or a medical situation. Keys will be sent once a holding deposit is paid to secure the property against competing applicants. Payment is requested by wire transfer or bank-to-bank payment that bypasses the platform's payment system, which would offer buyer protection.
The 'landlord' may conduct fake video calls in a different location, provide false references, and send fraudulent tenancy agreements. Some operations collect deposits from a dozen or more victims for the same property before vanishing. Victims only discover the fraud when they arrive at the property and find either the real owner or another scam victim with the same story.
Students, people relocating for work, and international renters are common targets because they often must arrange accommodation remotely and face time pressure. Platforms have improved verification, but fraudsters constantly adapt and move to less-scrutinised sites.
Common red flags
- The rent is noticeably below similar properties in the same area
- The landlord cannot show the property and offers to send keys after a deposit
- Payment is requested outside the platform or by irreversible transfer
- The landlord is located abroad due to a sympathetic reason
- The listing appeared very recently and has limited history on the platform
- Reverse image search shows the property photos on other listings under different addresses
What to do now
- Never pay a deposit before viewing in person or via live video with the landlord physically in the property
- Reverse image search all property photos before engaging
- Pay through the platform's protected payment system — not by bank transfer to a personal account
- Verify the landlord's ownership through land registry records if possible
- Report fraudulent listings to the platform and national trading standards or consumer authority
- If you have already paid, contact your bank immediately and file a fraud report
Frequently asked questions
Can I verify a landlord owns a property before paying?
In many countries, yes. Land registry services are publicly searchable. Cross-reference the registered owner's name against the person asking you to pay.
Is it safe to use Airbnb or VRBO for short-term rentals?
These platforms offer payment protection if you book through their systems. Scams arise when someone asks you to book or pay outside the platform — always pay within the official system.
What if I am already at the location and it is fraudulent?
Contact local police and your bank immediately. Document everything. The actual property owner may be unaware their property was used in a listing fraud.