Ah, summer—the season of sunshine, ice cream, and…moving! If you’re surfing the web to find your next cozy abode, beware: scammers are lurking in the digital shadows, ready to pounce on unsuspecting house hunters. But fear not! We’re here to ensure you don’t get caught in their web of deceit. Let’s dive into the wacky world of rental scams and learn how to outsmart these tricksters.

Fake Listings: It’s a Scam, Man!

Picture this: you find a rental listing that seems too good to be true. Well, spoiler alert—it probably is! Scammers create fake listings for places that either aren’t for rent or don’t exist at all. Their goal? To nab your money before you realize you’ve been bamboozled. If possible, always visit the property in person. Also, do a little detective work by searching the property owner’s or rental company’s name with keywords like “complaint,” “review,” or “scam.” You’ll be surprised what other sleuths might have uncovered!

Payment Pitfalls: Keep Your Cash Close

If a landlord insists on payments via cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram, it’s time to sound the alarm! These payment methods are the equivalent of sending your money into a black hole—once it’s gone, it’s gone. Scammers love these methods because they’re nearly impossible to trace. Hold onto your hard-earned cash by opting for more secure payment options.

Fee Fo Fum: Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Found a rental listing with a price that seems just right? Look again! Sometimes, sneaky fees hide in the fine print, ready to inflate your monthly expenses like the Goodyear Blimp. Whether they’re mandatory or optional, ensure you know all the costs involved. Ask for a written confirmation of any fees beyond the rent. Remember, transparency is key, and if an agent hesitates, it might be time to walk away.

What to Do If You Spot a Scam

Think you’ve sniffed out a scam? High-five for your detective skills! Now, don’t keep it to yourself. Share the knowledge and help protect others by reporting the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

In the end, finding the perfect rental doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing your dream home—minus the drama. Happy house hunting!

For the original article, check out this link.

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/moving-summer-watch-rental-scams