How do I avoid rental scams?

Most listings are legitimate, but some scammers post fake rental ads. Here's how to protect yourself.

Red flags to watch for

• Rent far below market, or an offer to "overnight the keys" once you pay — compare with similar listings nearby.
• A landlord or agent who's "out of the country" or won't talk by phone or video.
• Pressure to pay by wire transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram), gift cards, or apps like PayPal or Venmo.

Protect yourself

• Never pay or send a deposit before seeing the property in person, or having someone you trust see it for you.
• Meet the agent or landlord in person, look them up online, and don't hesitate to ask a real estate agent for their license number.
• Deal locally and never send money overseas.

Report a scam

If you suspect fraud, contact local law enforcement. You can also report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Federal Trade Commission, or, for identity theft, consumer.gov/idtheft. Questions about a property? Contact RentSpree support.