Quick Anti-Scam Checklist

  • See the place (in person or live video). If remote, ask the agent to show today’s newspaper/date on camera and walk the exterior. Cross-check the address on county records/Street View.

  • Never pay before approval + a signed lease you’ve read. No wires, gift cards, Zelle, Cash App, crypto; use a method with chargeback protection when possible.

  • Verify the lister. Call the number on the property management’s official site or look up the PHA/owner via public records. If the listing appears only on social platforms and not on an official site, be cautious.

  • Too good to be true? If the rent is far below comps or they push “today only,” assume scam and walk.

  • Protect your data. Don’t send SSNs or bank info over email/text to a stranger who “represents the owner.” Use secure portals after identity is verified.

  • Report it. Capture screenshots and report to the FTC and the site hosting the ad.

    https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/07/avoiding-rental-listing-scams

Scam Case Files

1) “Too-good-to-be-true” Craigslist listing + Zelle deposits → arrest (Palm Beach, FL, Feb 2025)
A unit advertised on Craigslist for $950/mo was the same apartment listed for $5,200/mo on Zillow. Victims sent money via Zelle, even received keys, but building management flagged it and police arrested a suspect. Red flags: massive price mismatch, payment by instant transfer, non-official contact.

Palm Beach's hottest deal on Craigslist turns out to be a scam, imposter arrested

Accused Craigslist con lures renters to Palm Beach apartment with a deal too good to resist, little did the victims know they'd get keys to a scam.

cbs12.com/news/local/palm-beachs-hottest-deal-on-craigslist-turns-out-be-a-scam-imposter-arrested-worth-ave-chilean-ave-zelle-zillow-pbpd-scammer-fraud-february-15-2025

2) Serial deposit-taker case (Twin Cities, MN; 2024–2025)
KARE-11’s investigation details a repeat offender accused of taking deposits on places he didn’t control; later new charges were filed. Red flags: demand for upfront deposit without verified ownership/management; evasive about documentation.

KARE 11 Investigates: Man in scheme exposed by KARE charged with Theft-By Swindle

Landlord accused of stealing thousands of dollars from would-be tenants faces criminal charges after a KARE 11 investigation.

www.kare11.com/article/news/investigations/kare-11-investigates-scheme-exposed-kare-charged-theft-by-swindle/89-95097578-8e1a-48c2-a220-1c61f1a39a3d

3)NYC (Hell’s Kitchen) — Facebook listing, DocuSign lease, multiple victims (Aug 2025)
At least 9 renters say the same apartment at 334 W. 47th St. was “leased” to them by the same person (Nicholas Fuelling), often after in-person tours; each paid ~$6,400 for first + security. Red flags: Facebook-only listing, pressure to send money quickly, overlapping “leases.” (Police seeking suspect.) Man moving to NYC says he lost $6,400 in apartment listing scheme. Neighbors say he's not the only one. - CBS New York

Police seek alleged Hell's Kitchen rental scammer who stole thousands from prospective tenants

Aspiring model Miguel Márchese says a rental scammer stole thousands from him and others: "We have a huge group chat called 'We've Been Scammed,' and there's nine of us so far."

abc7ny.com/post/hells-kitchen-rental-scam-police-seek-suspect-allegedly-stole-thousands-prospective-renters-nyc/17676486

4)Brooklyn, NY — Indictment for cash-only deposits, locks changed (Dec 2024)
Brooklyn DA charged a woman who, prosecutors say, took $700–$2,300 each from would-be tenants (2022–2024) and blocked move-ins after payment; total of ~$15,800. Red flags: cash-only, no written lease, pressure to pay first.

Brooklyn Woman Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Approximately $15,800 From Prospective Tenants in Fraudulent Rental Scheme – The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office

www.brooklynda.org/2024/12/16/brooklyn-woman-indicted-for-allegedly-stealing-approximately-15800-from-prospective-tenants-in-fraudulent-rental-scheme

More Exscamples

“Lockbox/self-tour” twist (national trend)
News/industry bulletins describe scammers abusing electronic lockboxes/self-guided tour systems: they hijack photos/codes to “prove” legitimacy, collect fees/deposits, then disappear. Red flags: someone texting you a lockbox code and pushing payment before a verified, in-person handoff. (If you see this, report it.)

Citywide police warning: copied listings + upfront crypto/gift card requests (Boston, MA; Aug 2025)

BPD reports scammers pose as landlords/agents, copy legit ads, then push victims to send application fees/deposits via wire/gift cards/crypto without viewing. They also ask for sensitive personal info (ID theft risk) and post across Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even legit rental sites. Red flags: can’t or won’t show the unit; unusual payment methods; urgency.

FBI field office alert (Boston area; Aug 2025)
FBI warns both posters and seekers about scams tied to online rental ads as housing competition rises. Red flags echo above: stolen photos, fake owners, pressure to pay before seeing/confirming ownership.

 Arizona AG: statewide alert—copied listings and payments before viewing are common ploys.

 Cortland, NY — FB Marketplace deposits via Chime/Apple gift cards (Jun 2025)
Police warn of copied listings on Marketplace. In a recent case, a victim sent a deposit through a digital bank, then more via Apple gift cards; scammer ghosted. Red flags: social-only listing, gift cards/digital wallet requests, no in-person meet.