High riskRental

Cloned Rental Listing Scam

In this scam, someone copies a genuine rental listing's photos and description and reposts it at a lower price under their own contact details. They then ask for a deposit or first month's rent before any viewing, then disappear once paid.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Rental listing scam
Main red flag
A rental priced below similar homes, with a request for a deposit before you can view it in person.
What to do first
Do not send money before viewing. Search the listing's photos and address to see if they appear elsewhere under a different contact.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, someone copies a genuine rental listing's photos and description and reposts it at a lower price under their own contact details. They then ask for a deposit or first month's rent before any viewing, then disappear once paid.

Rental scams advertise properties that are not available, not owned by the "landlord", or do not exist, to collect deposits and first-month rent from hopeful tenants. They pressure you to pay before viewing and to move money by transfer.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A rental priced below similar homes, with a request for a deposit before you can view it in person. Do not send money before viewing. Search the listing's photos and address to see if they appear elsewhere under a different contact.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Rental Deposit Scam or the Vacation Rental Scam, browse the Rental & Housing Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

Hundreds of millions
real-estate and rental fraud reported to the FBI runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars a year
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
$12.5B
total reported internet-crime losses in the US in 2023
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Thanks for your interest in the apartment. I am away for work, so I cannot show it, but if you send the deposit today to hold it, I will courier the keys to you.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Why this is a red flag: A rental priced below similar homes, with a request for a deposit before you can view it in person.

Red flags to watch for

  • A price noticeably lower than similar rentals in the same area
  • A landlord who cannot meet or show the property in person
  • A request for a deposit or rent before any viewing or signed lease
  • Photos or wording that also appear in another listing with different contact details
  • Pressure to pay quickly because 'other people are interested'

What to do

  • Insist on viewing the property in person or through a verified video call before paying
  • Search the listing photos and address online to check for duplicates
  • Verify the owner or agent through official property or agency records where possible
  • Use a traceable payment method only after a viewing and signed agreement

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you sent a deposit, contact your bank or payment provider right away to ask about options
  • Gather screenshots of the listing, messages, and any payment details
  • Report the listing to the platform where you found it
  • Report the incident to your national anti-fraud centre and local police

What not to do

  • Do not send a deposit or rent before viewing the property and signing a lease
  • Do not pay by wire, e-transfer, gift card, or crypto for a 'hold'
  • Do not share copies of your ID or banking details with an unverified landlord

Similar scams

High risk Rental

Rental Deposit Scam

This scam advertises a desirable rental at a low price and demands a deposit before any viewing, then disappears once you pay.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Rental

Vacation Rental Scam

This scam uses a fake or hijacked holiday rental listing, often with copied photos and a below-market price, to pressure you into paying a deposit off-platform by bank transfer for a property that is not actually available.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Rental

Rental Application Fee Scam

This scam uses a fake landlord or agent who asks for an upfront application, holding, or background-check fee, often by e-transfer or gift card, before any viewing, then disappears once the money is sent.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell a cloned listing from a real one?
Search the photos and address online. If the same images appear in another listing with a different name, price, or contact, or the price seems too low, treat it with caution and avoid paying before viewing.
The landlord says they are abroad and will courier keys. Is that normal?
This is a common excuse used to avoid a viewing and collect a deposit. A genuine landlord or agent can usually arrange a viewing or appoint someone local, so be careful with this story.
What if I already paid a deposit?
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to ask whether the payment can be stopped or disputed. Keep all messages and receipts, and report it to the platform, police, and your anti-fraud centre.
How can I report a cloned rental listing?
Report the listing to the website or platform hosting it, and report the scam to your national anti-fraud centre and local police. This helps get the fake listing removed.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.