Rental Scams: What Every Renter Should Know

​By District Attorney Summer Stephan
 
Every year, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office sees an increase in reports involving fraudulent rental listings that cost victims thousands of dollars and expose sensitive personal information.
In part, it’s due to the summertime increase of students, families, and workers searching for new housing opportunities. During this heightened time of increased searching is exactly when scammers work overtime to exploit the competitive rental market.
Rental scams have become increasingly sophisticated. Criminals often pose as landlords, property managers, or homeowners and advertise fake or real properties on popular rental websites and social media platforms. Their goal is simple: pressure victims into sending money quickly before they realize the listing is part of a scam.
In many cases, the advertised property either does not exist, is not actually for rent, or has been copied from a legitimate online listing without the owner’s knowledge.
The emotional and financial damage can be devastating, especially for students, seniors, military families, and individuals who are urgently seeking housing in a tight rental market.
Here is what consumers should be aware of, so they do not fall victim to a renal scam.
• The rent is significantly lower than similar properties in the area.
• The “landlord” refuses to meet in person, via video chat, or allow an in-person viewing.
• You are pressured to act immediately to avoid losing the property.
• You are asked to send deposits before seeing the unit.
• Payment is requested through Zelle, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• The listing photos or descriptions appear duplicated from other online ads.
• The person renting the property claims to be out of town or unavailable.Consumers should never feel rushed into making housing decisions. Scammers often create false urgency to prevent victims from verifying information or asking questions.
Before sending money or signing any agreement, renters should independently verify the property address, research ownership records when possible, and confirm that the individual advertising the property is legitimately connected to it. Viewing a property in person remains one of the best protections against fraud.
It is also important to use reputable rental platforms and trust your instincts. If something feels suspicious, take a step back and investigate further.
In the past, it was easier to identify scams. Scammers required money wires or cash, avoided in-person contact and refused to allow renters to tour a property without first paying a deposit – all red flags that would have derailed the scam. But now, those practices are normal and bad actors are taking advantage of the perfect storm that relies on electronic communication, the ease of electronic transactions such as Venmo, PayPal or Zelle and avoids in-person interactions.
For these reasons you should be cautious of properties that are offered below market value. If it’s too good to be true, It likely is.
What to do if you suspect a scam:
• Stop all communication with the suspected scammer.
• Perform a reverse image search to see if the listing photos turn up in another online advertisement.
• Do not send money or personal information.
• Report the listing to the website or platform where it appeared.
• Save screenshots, emails, texts, and payment records.
• Contact your local law enforcement agency.
• File a complaint with consumer protection authorities.If you have already sent money, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. In some cases, quick action may help prevent further losses.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping our communities informed and protected as criminals evolve their tactics. If you were the victim of a rental scam, report the incident to your local police agency or request a San Diego District Attorney Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form at [email protected].