Housing  Scams

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Housing scams, whether for rental or purchase, are fraudulent schemes that deceive individuals into paying money or providing personal information for properties that do not exist, are misrepresented, or are not available for sale or rent. These scams can lead to significant financial loss and emotional distress for victims. This scam is often a form of the Imposter Scam. 

Rental Scams:

  • Phantom Rentals: Scammers create listings for properties that don't exist or aren't available for rent.
  • Hijacked Ads: Legitimate rental ads are copied and altered by scammers.
  • Fake Landlords: Scammers pose as property owners or agents to collect deposits or rent.

Purchase Scams:

  • Foreclosure Scams: Scammers promise to rescue homeowners from foreclosure for an upfront fee but fail to deliver.
  • Title Fraud: Scammers steal the homeowner's identity to sell or mortgage the property without the owner's knowledge.
  • Real Estate Investment Scams: Fraudulent schemes promising high returns on real estate investments.
  • Prices significantly below market value.  If it seems too good to be true, it is likely is.
  • The scammer wants the victim to send money or personal information immediately. The scammer doesn't want to give the victim time to think about the flaws in the offer or research the offeror. 
  • Inability to provide proper documentation or verification of ownership.
  • Requests for deposits or rent before seeing the property or signing a lease. 
  • Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and generic email addresses. 
  • Refusal or excuses to avoid in-person meetings or property viewings. 
  • Research the Property and Owner: (Do not use the information provided by the scammer to verify these points.) 
    • Verify the property exists and is available for rent or purchase.
    • Check the owner's identity and contact information. 
    • Use official channels to verify property records.
  • Use Reputable Websites and Agents:
    • Use well-known and trusted real estate websites and agents with reputations for honesty.
    • Avoid listings on free, unverified websites.
  • Do Not Send Money Without Verification:
    • Never send money or personal information without verifying the legitimacy of the listing and the landlord or seller.
    • Use secure payment methods and avoid wire transfers or prepaid cards. 
  • Always visit the property in person or have a trusted representative do so on your behalf.
  • Avoid sharing sensitive personal information until you are certain of the transaction's legitimacy.
  • If something feels off or too good to be true, it likely is.
  • Report to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). See  Fraud Reporting. 
  • Inform your bank or financial institution immediately to stop or reverse the payment.
  • Notify credit reporting agencies to monitor for fraudulent activities.
  • Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts. See Identity theft. 
  • Seek legal advice to understand your options and rights. If title fraud is involved, consult with a real estate attorney.
  • Reach out to support groups or counseling services to manage the emotional impact of being scammed.

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