It’s frustrating how common rental scams are. They are everywhere: on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, even in neighborhood groups. Scammers boldly target people who are in a hurry or are just trying to find something affordable. If a deal looks too good to be true, it mostly likely is.
The housing market is tight and competitive everywhere, including Northeastern PA and the greater Lake Wallenpaupack region of the Poconos. Sadly, many people become unsuspecting victims, led on an expensive wild goose chase by bad actors looking to exploit anyone they can.
Here’s one of the most common tricks: A scammer will find a home listed for sale and copy the photos and details. Then, they’ll post it on a rental site or in a local Facebook group (sometimes in a totally different part of the country). Usually, they offer it for an extremely unrealistic low amount of rent.
Additionally, they do not mention the location except in the most vague references (like “in Pennsylvania”). They often state “no credit checks” to further lure you in. They say they’re out of town, in the military serving overseas, or they give some other story to explain why they can’t show the place in person. Sometimes, they turn off comments and ask you to message them.
Victims are pressured into sending money immediately: either for rent, a security deposit, or an “application fee.” Once the money is sent? The scammer disappears.
Sometimes, the fraudster escalates it a notch or two with a “squatter scam.” This involves providing access to the home, signing a lease, and handing over keys to unsuspecting folks who think they are getting a home (but end up being squatters instead).
Here are some tips to help protect yourself (or someone you love) from getting taken in a rental scam:
1. Reverse image search the photos. Save one of the listing photos and upload it to Google Lens or use your phone’s built-in image search. If that same photo shows up in a for-sale listing or on a real estate agent’s site, it’s a red flag. Scammers often copy images from active home listings that aren’t in the area to avoid detection. I’ve seen “rentals” listed on Pennsylvania Facebook groups that show pictures of homes for sale or recently sold in Michigan, Texas, or even Canada.
2. Never pay upfront without seeing the place in person. No legitimate landlord or agent will ask you to pay a deposit or first month’s rent without giving you access to the property. If someone says they’ll mail you keys, walk away. THAT SAID…see the next point:
3. Watch Out for Squatter Scams. Another more elaborate and sophisticated rental scam involves fraudsters posing in person as landlords. They’ll post fake listings, collect deposits, sign a lease, and even hand over keys, all while having zero legal right to the property. The scam comes to light when the real owner shows up at a later time or law enforcement comes knocking, leaving renters in a squatter situation. See the next step:
4. Check public property records. Most counties have online property ownership records. If the person claiming to be the landlord has a completely different name than what’s on the public records, proceed with caution. Not always a dealbreaker (they could be using a management company), but it’s worth digging deeper. If they claim they are the property manager, ask for the owner’s name. Try to find their contact info independently through public records and call them. Verify that the “property manager” you’re talking to is authorized to rent the property to you.
5. Trust your gut about the price. If a house is being offered for $750/month with “no background checks,” while others are $1800 and above, that’s not a deal; it’s bait. Scammers count on you being too excited or desperate to question it.
6. Use well-known, reputable rental platforms. Stick to trusted rental websites or work directly with real estate agents or property managers when possible. While scams can happen anywhere, you’re less likely to encounter fake listings on professionally managed platforms.
7. Be wary of urgency or pressure. Scammers thrive on getting you to act fast. If they’re pushing you to send money immediately, or if they claim, “Other people are interested, you must decide now!” hit pause and do your research.
Bottom line: slow down and double-check before you commit. Ask questions. Look things up. Don’t let anyone rush you into signing or sending money. A few extra minutes of research can save you from a major headache later on.
~Karen R