Scam pattern
Fake rental / apartment deposit scam
“Wire the deposit to hold the place” (sight unseen)
A too-good listing asks you to pay a deposit or first month before seeing the unit or signing a real lease, often because the “landlord” is traveling. The listing is stolen and the money is gone.
How it’s usually worded
- “I'm out of the country, so we'll handle everything online.”
- “Send the deposit via Zelle/wire to hold it — lots of interest.”
- “I'll mail the keys once the first month clears.”
Red-flag signals
- Can't view it
Excuses for why you can't see the unit or meet in person.
- Pay before lease
Money requested before a real, signed lease or any verification.
- Below-market price
Priced suspiciously low to attract fast, desperate applicants.
- Wire / Zelle / crypto
Irreversible methods, never an escrow or normal application.
What to do
Never pay a deposit before seeing the unit in person (or via live video) and signing a verified lease. Reverse-image-search the photos — stolen listings reuse them. Use traceable payment, never wire/Zelle to a stranger.
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FAQ
Is it normal to pay a deposit to “hold” an apartment online?
Not before a viewing and a signed lease. Legitimate landlords don't require wire/Zelle to a personal account sight unseen.
How do I check if a listing is stolen?
Reverse-image-search the photos and search the address — scam listings often appear on multiple sites under different names.