Scammers can trick people into signing fake rental leases or carry out a security deposit scam, where they ask for payments for properties that arenโ€™t available.

Weโ€™ve heard about these rental scams happening two ways:

If so, is there a legitimate reason for the extra companion?

Scammers use legitimate rental listings but claim to be the landlord (but theyโ€™re not), or they make up listings for places that either arenโ€™t for.

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Webknowing common types of rental fraud is the best way to avoid scams.

Rental fraud can occur in a variety of ways.

Webhere are ways to spot and avoid rental scams.

Find out how to avoid 10 common rental scams and red flags to look out for when searching for a rental home.

Webrental scams can be hard to spot.

Webquick tips to avoid rental scams when youโ€™re searching for a rental.

If you have fallen victim to a rental scam, however, resources are listed below to help you reclaim your losses.

Check ownership and licensing of landlord/property manager.

Here are the ten most common signs of rental scams to look out for.

Hereโ€™s how to avoid getting scammed while finding your next apartment or home.

If someone lives in the unit now, they are usually the best source of information about the apartment and landlord.

Weba rental scam is when someone deceptively uses rental property listings to gain access to someone elseโ€™s personal information or finances.

Webhow to avoid rental scams.

Webunfortunately, common rental scams have become so prevalent that there are trends renters have started seeing.

Does the prospect come alone to view your property?

Webkeep a sharp eye on details and avoid the scam:

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Phone numbers alone can be spoofed, so corroborate authenticity with supplemental info.

Follow these steps when searching for an apartment to avoid being the victim of a potential rental scam.

If possible, try speaking with the current tenants.

Webwe have compiled the following guide to common signs of fraudulent rental listings to help you avoid these scams.

A person tells you they are out of the country and canโ€™t show you an apartment.

Webrental scams target renters with fake listings, fraudulent leases, and more.

We asked the renters surveyed to categorize their fraud experiences, and we ranked these common types of rental fraud schemes from most common to least common: