Rental and apartment scam

A listing at a great price, from a landlord who is always abroad.

How it works

Photos are copied from a genuine listing and reposted at a below-market rent. The 'landlord' can't show you around — they're working overseas, or a missionary — but will courier keys the moment you send a deposit and first month's rent. The property is real; their connection to it isn't.

Red flags

Rent noticeably below the local market
No in-person or video viewing possible
Deposit requested by wire, Zelle, crypto, or gift card
Application pressure before you've seen the place

Real-world example

"I'm currently on a mission in Ghana. Send the $1,800 deposit via Zelle and I'll FedEx the keys tomorrow."

What to do

01Never pay before viewing the property in person or on a live video walkthrough.
02Search the address and photos — duplicate listings expose the fake.
03Verify ownership through the local land or property register.
04Pay deposits by traceable means, into a deposit protection scheme where one exists.

Related scams

Marketplace overpayment

Buyer 'accidentally' overpays and asks you to refund the difference.

Fake job offer

Easy remote jobs that turn out to launder money or steal your data.

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