How to spot fake rental listings during a military move
Scammers post fake rental listings to target military members relocating. They collect deposits or fees for housing that does not exist.
How it works
You search online for rental housing near your new duty station. A listing appears with low prices and quick availability. The scammer asks you to wire a deposit or application fee upfront, often claiming urgency because the unit is in high demand. You send money but the housing never materializes.
Red flags to watch for
- Rental price is significantly below market rate for the area
- Landlord asks for payment before you can view the property in person
- Requests wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency for deposit
- Seller insists on speed; says another applicant is interested
- Photos appear to be stock images or pulled from other listings
What to do
Do not send money to anyone you haven't verified independently. Call the property management company or landlord directly using a phone number from their official website, not from the listing. Visit the property and meet the landlord face-to-face before paying anything. If you spot a listing that seems fraudulent, report it to the platform and to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.