Newcomers are a main target of rental scams, because they search from far away and need a place quickly.
A scammer copies photos from a real listing and posts them with a lower price. When you write, the "landlord" says they are traveling, working abroad or on a mission, and cannot show the place. They ask for a deposit or first month's rent to "hold" it, then disappear. Sometimes they send fake keys or a fake lease.
The rent is much lower than similar places nearby.
You cannot see the inside, or the "landlord" refuses to meet or do a live video tour.
They want payment by wire transfer, Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle to a person, gift cards or crypto. The FTC says anyone who demands these is a scammer.
They pressure you: "Many people want it, pay today."
They ask for your SSN, passport and bank details before you have seen the place.
Emails with poor spelling and a long sad story.
A "landlord" who will not give a full name and phone number.
Search the address online. If the same home is listed with a different price or a different landlord, it is likely a scam.
Search the photos (reverse image search in Google Lens).
For a complex, call the number on the complex's own website, not the one in the ad. Ask if the unit and agent are real.
For a house, many counties have a property records or tax website where you can see who owns it. Compare the owner name.
Visit, or send a friend. Inside and out.
Sign a lease before paying, and pay by a method that leaves a record, such as a check, the landlord's online portal, or a credit card.
Fake "housing for international students" with payment before arrival.
A real tenant who sublets without permission or rents the same place to several people.
Sellers of "lists of rentals" for a fee.
Contact the company you used to pay (bank, Zelle, Western Union, gift card company) at once and say it was fraud.
Report the listing to the website.
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your local police.
If you gave your SSN, go to IdentityTheft.gov.