7-17-2025 6:21pm

Facebook Marketplace Rental Scams: No There are No Houses OR Apartments for Rent That Cheap!

S RENEE GREENE Editor

Facebook Marketplace is a common platform for rental scams where fake listings are used to defraud potential renters. Scammers create fake listings with attractive, often too-good-to-be-true, rental prices and use stolen or fabricated photos of properties. They often request upfront payments like deposits or application fees before a formal lease agreement or property viewing, and may pressure victims to act quickly.

Victims can lose money and be left without a place to live.

How Rental Scams Work on Facebook:

Fake Listings: Scammers create fake listings with appealing properties and prices to lure in potential renters.
Upfront Payments: They request money, such as deposits or application fees, before a legitimate lease agreement or property viewing.
Lack of In-Person Viewings: Scammers often avoid in-person meetings, offering only virtual tours or providing access codes to properties without proper authorization.
Urgency and Pressure: They may create a sense of urgency to pressure potential renters into making quick decisions without proper due diligence.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

Unrealistically Low Prices: If the rent seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Requests for Money Before a Lease: Avoid sending money before seeing the property in person and signing a lease.
Refusal to Meet in Person: Be wary of landlords who refuse to meet in person or conduct virtual tours without proper verification.
Lack of Proper Documentation: Always verify ownership and ask for legitimate documentation from the landlord or property manager.

How to Protect Yourself:

Verify Property Ownership: Check property records with the county or city to confirm the legitimacy of the listing.
Inspect the Property in Person: If possible, visit the property and verify its condition and features.
Avoid Upfront Payments: Do not send money before signing a lease and meeting the landlord in person.
Report Scams: If you suspect a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and local law enforcement.
Use Secure Payment Methods: If you are required to make a payment, use secure payment methods and avoid gift cards or wire transfers to unknown individuals.
Be Cautious of Urgent Requests: Be wary of landlords who pressure you to make a decision quickly.

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