Rental Property Scam
FTC documents rental scams as the #2 most reported fraud category in 2024. Scammers post fake rental listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Zillow — often using photos stolen from legitimate listings — and collect deposits from multiple victims who never receive the keys.
Reports
FTC #2 reported fraud category 2024
First documented
2019
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam pattern for educational purposes. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or FCC.
What the scam says
Beautiful rental listing at a below-market price. Scammer claims to be a missionary abroad or a military officer who cannot show the property in person. Requests a security deposit via Zelle, wire transfer, or gift cards to 'hold' the property. Once paid, the scammer disappears.
4 red flags
FTC 2024: online shopping/rental fraud was the #2 most reported fraud category
Price significantly below market rate for the area is the #1 red flag
Owner claims to be abroad and unable to show the property in person
Payment requested via Zelle, wire, or gift card — untraceable methods used exclusively by scammers
What to do
Never send money to rent a property you have not seen in person
Verify the property owner through county property records
Reverse image search all property photos
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report this scam
Source
FTC consumer alert — online shopping and rental scams; Vermont AG 2026 report top 10 scams 2025
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/rental-listing-scams ↗People also search for
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rental Property Scam?▼
FTC documents rental scams as the #2 most reported fraud category in 2024. Scammers post fake rental listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Zillow — often using photos stolen from legitimate listings — and collect deposits from multiple victims who never receive the keys.
How do I recognize a Rental Property Scam?▼
Red flags: FTC 2024: online shopping/rental fraud was the #2 most reported fraud category; Price significantly below market rate for the area is the #1 red flag; Owner claims to be abroad and unable to show the property in person.
What should I do if I receive a Rental Property Scam?▼
Never send money to rent a property you have not seen in person Verify the property owner through county property records Reverse image search all property photos
How common is the Rental Property Scam?▼
FTC #2 reported fraud category 2024. First documented: 2019. Source: FTC consumer alert — online shopping and rental scams; Vermont AG 2026 report top 10 scams 2025.
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Check your message →Source: FTC consumer alert — online shopping and rental scams; Vermont AG 2026 report top 10 scams 2025
First documented: 2019 · Last active: 2026-03
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