Report a Rental Listing Scam or Suspicious Listing
This page allows users to quickly and securely share a rental listing that appears suspicious or inaccurate.
When a potential issue is identified, our team reviews the listing and can notify the appropriate platform and, when possible, alert the property owner so they are aware of the situation.
Reports like this help reduce misleading listings and protect renters from fraudulent housing offers.
Share a rental listing that doesn’t look quite right
If you came across a rental listing that feels off, you can share it here. We review these submissions to help improve listing accuracy across platforms and reduce confusion for renters and property owners. You don’t need to be sure it’s a scam — sharing what you see is enough.
Thank you for helping improve listing accuracy online.
Resources & Guidance
How to report a fake rental listing
Before you report a fake rental listing, gather essential details including screenshots of the advertisement, the direct listing URL, and a record of any communication with the poster. This documentation is critical for evidence. Our submission portal ensures that suspicious rental listings are routed directly to the appropriate risk mitigation channels for removal.
Where rental scams commonly appear
Fraudulent activity often migrates across high-traffic platforms. A Zillow rental scam typically involves unauthorized use of professional photos, while a Craigslist rental scam may leverage high anonymity. Facebook Marketplace rental scams are also on the rise, often featuring recently created profiles aiming to quickly solicit deposits before being flagged.
Common warning signs of a scam
- Listing prices that are far below the current local market value.
- Intense pressure to send security deposits or sign a lease immediately.
- Mandatory requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Owners who refuse identity verification or in-person property tours.
- Property photos that appear identical on multiple sites with conflicting details.
What to do if you discover a scam
- Stop all communication with the suspicious party immediately.
- Stop any pending financial transactions or personal data transfers.
- Document the evidence, including URLs and full-page screenshots.
- Report the listing directly on the platform to alert their security.
- Submit the listing through our escalations form to initiate mitigation.
Consumer Protection References
For additional guidance on rental listing fraud, we recommend reviewing resources from the Federal Trade Commission’s Rental Listing Scam guidance and the government’s Rental Scams Explained consumer resource.
These resources outline common warning signs of impersonation listings, duplicate rental advertisements, and requests for deposits or personal information tied to fraudulent listings.
Consumers can also report suspicious rental activity through the official ReportFraud.ftc.gov reporting system, which helps federal and state agencies track patterns in online housing scams.
Additional alerts and research on evolving rental fraud tactics are available through the FTC Rental & Housing Scam alerts library, including guidance on identifying listings copied from legitimate real estate advertisements and reposted with altered contact information.
These public resources provide insight into how rental listing scams operate and how government agencies monitor fraud trends affecting renters and property owners nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a fake rental listing?
You can use our secure form at the top of this page to submit a fake rental listing. Our team reviews these reports to verify the fraud and initiates takedown procedures with platforms like Zillow or Craigslist where the listing was found.
What should I do if a rental listing is a scam?
If you encounter a rental listing scam, stop all communication immediately and do not send any money. Capture screenshots of the listing and your conversation, then report the fraud on the hosting platform and through our submission portal here.
How can I tell if a rental listing is fake?
Typical warning signs of a fake rental listing include prices significantly below market average, pressure to use wire transfers or gift cards, and hosts who refuse in-person tours. Always cross-reference property photos to see if they appear on multiple sites with different contact details.
Can Zillow listings ever be scams?
Yes, sophisticated scammers often bypass verification steps to create fraudulent listings on major platforms. If you encounter a potential Zillow rental scam, reporting it quickly helps protect other renters from financial loss and ensures platform hygiene.
How do I report rental fraud online?
You can report rental fraud online by utilizing our specialized risk mitigation form for direct escalation. Additionally, we recommend filing reports with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state Attorney General's office to help track and stop fraudulent patterns.