Rental Scam Detector
Answer these questions about a rental listing to assess its legitimacy. Protect yourself from the $500M+ lost to rental scams annually.
Listing Assessment
0 of 15 answeredIs the rent significantly below market rate for the area?
Is the landlord refusing or making excuses to show the property in person?
Are they asking for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency?
Does the landlord claim to be out of the country or unable to meet?
Are they pressuring you to pay immediately or risk losing the apartment?
Are they unwilling to provide a formal lease agreement?
Are they offering to mail keys before you've seen the property?
Do the listing photos look generic, stock-like, or too professional?
Is the exact address hidden or vague in the listing?
Are they asking for deposits or fees before showing the property?
Does the listing appear on multiple sites with different contact info?
Does the listing have many spelling/grammar errors or seem oddly written?
Are they not asking for any application or background check?
Are they demanding cash payments only?
Is the name on the listing different from who you're communicating with?
What DibbyTour Inspectors Verify
50+ HD Photos
Every room, appliance, and detail documented
Live Video Tour
FaceTime walkthrough so you can ask questions
Condition Report
Detailed assessment of condition, noise, smells
Rental Scam Statistics
$500M+
Lost to rental scams annually in the US
43%
Of renters have encountered a scam listing
$1,000+
Average loss per victim
5.2M
Scam reports filed in 2023
How to Spot a Rental Scam: Complete Guide
Rental scams cost Americans over $500 million annually, with the average victim losing over $1,000. As rental markets get more competitive, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated. Here's everything you need to know to protect yourself.
The Most Common Rental Scam Types
1. The Phantom Listing
Scammers steal photos and descriptions from legitimate listings, then post them at below-market prices. They collect deposits from multiple victims for properties they don't own or control. Always verify ownership through county records before sending money.
2. The Overseas Landlord
The scammer claims to be a missionary, military member, or business person currently abroad. They can't show the property but will "mail you the keys" once you wire the deposit. This is always a scam—legitimate landlords arrange showings.
3. The Hijacked Listing
Scammers copy legitimate listings that are already rented, repost them with their own contact info, and collect deposits. Always verify contact information matches the property management or owner records.
4. The Bait and Switch
You're shown one property but sign a lease for a different (usually worse) unit. Always ensure the address on your lease matches exactly what you toured.
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Don't Risk It—Get It Inspected
For $100, a local DibbyTour inspector will verify any listing with photos, video, and a detailed report. It's cheaper than losing your deposit to a scam.
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