When searching for NYC rentals, it’s important to beware of scams and fraud, which are an unfortunate reality of today’s day and age — both online and offline. That said, there are red flags you can learn to look out for and spot a scam before it happens. Protect yourself by following these crucial tips on how to recognize and avoid a rental scam.
First things first: watch out for listings that are too good to be true
The cardinal rule of identifying a rental scam is that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. In other words, be wary of a listing that is an exceptionally good deal for its quality, size, location, amenities, and other aspects that influence the price of an NYC rental. If you’re unsure, compare the price to what you’re seeing for listings with similar characteristics, or use the StreetEasy Data Dashboard to check median asking rents by neighborhood. When in doubt, report the listing and move on to another one.
Rental scam red flags
To recognize and avoid a rental scam, be on the lookout for the following red flags — both in the listing itself and when dealing with a broker or other listing contact.
Requests to send payment before you’ve seen the rental
A listing contact should never ask you to send payment — not even an application fee — before you’ve seen the rental. Some may ask for general information about your financial situation, such as your annual income or credit score, to see if you can afford the rental. This is normal. However, don’t send payment, your Social Security number, or more sensitive financial information (e.g. bank account numbers) until you’ve toured the property in person or virtually, and formally entered the tenant screening and application process.
Requests to send payment via wire transfer and other untraceable methods
Many rental scams involve requests to wire money, or use other payment methods that are unsecure and difficult to trace. Never send a wire transfer without verifying the legitimacy of the transaction. Be cautious of any sketchy payment websites or requests for funds via cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, and never send payment before you’ve toured a rental.
Unusually low rent
Remember the too-good-to-be-true rule? Scammers often lure renters to their listings by advertising an unusually low monthly rent, one that seems too low for the property or location. Again, if you’re not sure how low is too low, check the prices of similar listings and use our Data Dashboard.
Urgency and pressure
Look out for listings that stress urgency and pressure renters to immediately send payment or sensitive personal information. NYC real estate does move fast, but truly good deals speak for themselves and don’t need to use high-pressure tactics to attract tenants.
Person listing the rental is unwilling to meet in person
If the broker, landlord, or other listing contact is refusing to meet with you in person, or repeatedly being cagey — they’re constantly out of town, in another country, had a family emergency, etc. — know that it’s a major red flag.
Quick tips to avoid rental scams
Practice the following whenever you’re searching for rentals to protect yourself from scams.
- Verify: Be proactive in verifying even basic information in the listing. Check the address on Google Maps, look up the broker or property manager, and cross-reference other listing sites to see if the photos, price, and other important details match up.
- Meet: When possible, meet in person. Avoid renting sight unseen, but if you must, tour the property over video call and verify it with a trusted source.
- Be vigilant: Stay alert and always look out for the red flags mentioned in the previous section.
- Pay carefully: Only use secure, traceable payment methods such as ACH, credit or debit card, check, or known payment portals. Never send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, and never make a payment before you’ve seen the rental.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off, walk away and report the listing (see next section for how).
How to report a listing
StreetEasy is dedicated to providing a safe platform with listings that are accurate and trustworthy. If you’ve encountered a listing on our site that you think is a scam, or has inaccurate information, let us know by reporting it. Look for the Report Listing link in the right-hand column (shown below), or the REPORT A PROBLEM link at the very bottom of the page.
We also encourage you to report the scam to local law enforcement, the New York State Attorney General, and the FTC.
StreetEasy is an assumed name of Zillow, Inc. which has a real estate brokerage license in all 50 states and D.C. See real estate licenses.
