Rental & Apartment Scams
A 'landlord' who can't show the place wants a deposit up front — and the keys never arrive.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A scammer lists a rental (often copied from a real listing) at an attractive price, then claims they're out of the country and can't show it. They ask for a deposit or first month's rent up front — usually by Zelle, wire, or gift card — and promise to mail the keys. There is no rental; the money is gone.
What it usually looks like
- A great price and a landlord who is conveniently unreachable in person.
- Pressure to pay a deposit before you can view the unit.
- A request to pay by Zelle, wire, Cash App, or gift card.
Common warning signs
- You're asked to send money before seeing the place or signing a lease.
- The 'owner' is out of the country and will 'mail the keys'.
- Payment must go by an irreversible method.
Example wording scammers use
“I'm out of the country so I can't show it, but send the first month's rent and deposit via Zelle and I'll mail you the keys.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- A deposit or rent payment before you realize there's no apartment.
What to do
- Never pay before seeing the unit in person and verifying who owns it.
- Be suspicious of any landlord who can't meet or show the place.
- Pay deposits by traceable means only, after a signed lease.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank or the payment app immediately to try to reverse it.
- Report the listing to the platform it appeared on.
- File a report with the FTC and local police.