Fake Landlord Rental Listing Script
A fraudulent rental listing uses appealing photos and a low price to collect a deposit from multiple applicants for a property the scammer does not own.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Beautiful 2-bed apartment, [amount]/month, available immediately. Currently abroad so keys will be sent once deposit received.
To hold the property while I'm away, please transfer a [amount] holding deposit. I'll post the keys as soon as it clears.
I use [platform name] for protection — click [fake link] to complete the secure payment and I will release the keys.
Many people are interested. First deposit received gets the property. I need your decision by [date].
What the scammer wants
To collect deposits from multiple applicants for a property they do not own — often copying real listings — and disappear before any viewing takes place.
Red flags in the message
- Landlord is abroad and unable to meet or show the property
- Keys will be posted after the deposit is received
- Price is noticeably below market rate for the area
- Request to pay a deposit before any viewing
- Pressure to decide quickly due to other interested applicants
- Communication only by email — no phone or video call offered
- Payment via an off-platform link
A safe response
Never pay a deposit without first viewing the property in person and verifying ownership. If a landlord cannot meet you, treat it as a red flag and search the property address independently.
What not to send
- Holding deposits before a viewing
- Payments via off-platform links
- Copies of ID or financial documents to an unverified landlord
What to do if you already replied
- If you paid a deposit, contact your bank immediately to attempt a recall
- Report the listing to the platform it appeared on
- File a report with your national fraud authority
- Search the property address to find and alert the real owner or letting agent
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times