Is a rental listing that wants a holding fee via Western Union a scam?

Rental scammers know that Western Union transfers, MoneyGram, and similar money service businesses cannot be reversed once collected. They advertise desirable properties at below-market rents, explain that they are abroad or otherwise unavailable to show the property, and ask for a holding deposit or first month's rent via a money transfer service to secure the listing. Once the money is collected — often by an accomplice at a local outlet — it is unrecoverable. No legitimate landlord or letting agency requires payment through a money transfer service. Bank transfers, standing orders through verified agencies, or escrow services are the standard methods.