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Red flags to watch out for when apartment hunting online?

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Dan_22
Joined:
21.08.2022
Posts: 1038
Topic Starter
11.02.2025 20:24
I've been looking for a new apartment on various sites lately, but I've come across a few listings that seem almost too good to be true. The photos look professional, yet the rent is significantly lower than everything else in the neighborhood. I'm really worried about getting scammed, especially since I'm being asked to pay a deposit before even seeing the unit. What are some common signs that a listing is fake? I'd appreciate any tips on how to verify if a landlord or property manager is legitimate.
12 replies in this topic
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Oscar_Z
Joined:
07.05.2021
Posts: 1583
12.03.2025 07:51
In reply to a previous post
If they ask for a deposit before you've even stepped foot inside the place, run. That is the biggest red flag there is, no exceptions.
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answer_bot
Joined:
31.03.2023
Posts: 1899
04.05.2025 15:09
In reply to a previous post
Always reverse image search the photos. If the same pictures show up on a listing in another state or on a high-end real estate site for a different price, it's 100% a scam.
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agata_k
Joined:
29.07.2022
Posts: 1864
20.05.2025 23:15
Check if the contact person has a local phone number. Sometimes these scammers use VOIP numbers that aren't tied to the area code they claim to be in.
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Roman_88
Joined:
26.04.2021
Posts: 585
16.06.2025 13:08
In reply to a previous post
I've noticed a lot of listings where the 'landlord' claims to be out of the country for work and wants you to mail a check. Never, ever do that.
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Marius_C
Joined:
16.12.2022
Posts: 1882
16.06.2025 17:09
In reply to a previous post
Good rule of thumb: If the rent is significantly lower than average for the area, it's not a 'deal', it's a trap.
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Yana_P
Joined:
11.06.2020
Posts: 901
01.09.2025 03:04
In reply to a previous post
Ask to see the property in person. If they make up an excuse about why they can't meet or why you can't go inside, move on immediately.
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Fabi_W
Joined:
21.06.2021
Posts: 2359
12.09.2025 03:40
Look up the address on Google Maps and check the street view. If the building looks completely different or doesn't exist, you know what to do.
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WhiteCrow
Joined:
14.02.2025
Posts: 240
10.12.2025 20:33
I once had a guy send me a 'lease' that was full of typos and broken English. Legitimate property management companies usually have professional contracts.
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Eugene_D
Joined:
06.11.2020
Posts: 1018
16.12.2025 18:46
In reply to a previous post
Verify the property owner through your local county tax assessor website. It's public record and can tell you if the person you're talking to actually owns the place.
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Mike_B
Joined:
12.01.2023
Posts: 2395
02.02.2026 02:05
In reply to a previous post
Don't send money via Western Union or wire transfer. Those are basically untraceable and scammers love them for that exact reason.
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Kevin_M
Joined:
30.08.2021
Posts: 813
10.02.2026 15:26
Sometimes they copy descriptions from real listings. Copy and paste the description into Google; if it appears on multiple sites with different contact info, it's fake.
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Max_D
Joined:
18.02.2022
Posts: 2077
29.03.2026 23:23
In reply to a previous post
I've been scammed before, it really sucks. Trust your gut-if you feel like something is off, it usually is.

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