Rental Fraud and Scams
Protect Yourself from Rental Fraud and Scams
Rental scams are common and can cause significant financial and emotional damage. We don’t want this to happen to you! As you search for a rental home, please protect yourself and watch for these common warning signs.
Rental Scam Warning Signs
Low monthly rent
If you see monthly rental prices that are significantly lower than others in the area, proceed with extra caution. If it seems too good to be true, it is.
Being asked to wire payments or pay with cash or cash apps
Never pay through cash apps like Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or Apple/Google Pay. Reputable property management companies will never ask you to pay by wiring funds or to pay with cash.
The home was listed on a free listing site like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
It’s best to stick to established rental sites and property management company websites. Stay away from listings on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp and others.
Promises of no credit or background check
Legitimate property managers will conduct a background and credit check. Promises that background or credit checks are not required should be a red flag.
Overly simple, unprofessional, or paper applications
Applications should be professional and shared securely. Be cautious if you’re asked to complete a paper application.
Accessing the home in unsecure ways
When visiting a home, the doors should be locked and keys secured. If the key is hidden in an unlocked location or if you're asked to leave the key outside of a lock box, walk away.
High-pressure sales tactics
Scammers need to move quickly before they get caught, so they'll often pressure victims into making a quick decision and paying as soon as possible.
Report Suspicious Activity
We’re actively working to fight rental fraud, and we need your help. If you suspect a scam, please report it to your local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission, and the platform where the listing was found. By doing so, you can help prevent others from falling victim to these scams. You can verify the legitimacy of a Progress Residential listing anytime on this website or by calling 833.774.7377.