If you’re searching online for your next apartment or house, stay alert. Scammers often use fake rental ads to trick people into handing over money. Before you sign or send payment, here are some tips from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on how to protect yourself:
- Not every listing is real. Some scammers post ads for places that don’t exist or aren’t available. Always try to see the property in person. Do a quick search of the landlord or rental company’s name along with words such as review, complaint, or scam to see what others have said.
- Be smart about payments. If someone insists you pay only by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, it’s a red flag. Scammers love these methods because once you send the money, it’s almost impossible to get it back.
- Watch for hidden fees. The rent might sound great at first — until extra fees show up in the fine print. Ask for a full list of all monthly and one-time costs, and get it in writing before you commit.
If you spot a rental scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For more information on other types of scams, visit cefcu.com/security.
