How to spot a rental scam

Military families are a favorite target for rental scams: you’re moving fast, often from far away, and BAH is a steady income scammers know about.

The red flags

• They want a deposit or rent by wire, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, gift cards or crypto.
• You’re asked to pay before you’ve toured the home, in person or on a live video call.
• The “owner” is deployed, overseas or on a mission and can’t meet, but will mail the keys.
• The rent is far below similar homes nearby.
• The listing photos also appear on another listing under a different name or address.
• They push you to decide today or ask for your Social Security number before an application.

How to protect yourself

• Tour first: in person, through a friend or sponsor, or on a live video call where they open doors and show the street.
• Check who owns the home: search the county property records (assessor or recorder) for the address and make sure the name matches the landlord or management company.
• Pay only by traceable methods, after a signed lease, and get a receipt.
• Ask your installation housing office (HSO) to look over the lease. Many will, for free.
• Put the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act military clause in your lease. See our SCRA guide.

If something seems wrong

• Use “Report this listing” on any listing here, and we’ll review it.
• Report fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
• If you paid, contact your bank or card issuer right away, and talk to your installation legal assistance office.

General information, not legal advice.