Scam Types
Rental Scams
Scam type — FTC & BBB data
The FTC and BBB track fraud by category. This page summarizes the data for this scam type and how to protect yourself.
Last updated: March 2026
FTC Consumer Sentinel (national)
- Reports: 24,000
- Total loss: $88M
- Median loss: $1,200
BBB Scam Tracker 2024
- Reports 2024: 3,456
- Risk score: 7.8
- Median loss: $1,200
- Top contact: Online (Craigslist/Facebook/Zillow)
What is this scam?
Fake rental listings for apartments, houses, and vacation properties. Scammers collect deposits and first month's rent for properties they don't own.
How to avoid & report
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
- Verify contact details independently (official website, phone number).
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the BBB at bbb.org/file-a-complaint.