Rental Scam Prevention for Tenants

Scammers often start by copying a legitimate rental listing. The photos, description, and even the address all match a real property, which is why the listing feels convincing at first glance.

A noticeably low rent or flexible move-in terms are used to get your attention quickly. This sets the stage for the scammer to push you toward a fast decision.

The person claims they’re out of town, dealing with a sudden issue, or unable to meet. They rely on the stolen photos or a prerecorded video and ask you to trust that the home looks exactly as advertised. If the home has a self-showing link, the information provided in the link does not match the scammers ad.

Once you reach out, the scammer tries to move the conversation to text, email, or another messaging app. This avoids platform monitoring and makes it easier for them to disappear later.They tell you that they work for SCUDO, even though their email is not @scudore.com, or they tell you that SCUDO are the scammers.

You’re asked to pay an application fee, deposit, or first month’s rent before you can see the home or verify anything. They often ask for payment through methods that can’t be reversed, such as wire transfers or peer-to-peer apps like venmo, cashapp, paypal, or a check made out to an individual’s name (not SCUDO). If you ask to pay your security deposit through SCUDO’s secure portal, they will redirect you. 6. They send documents that look official Scammers use forged leases or forms to make everything feel legitimate. The documents may even include real company names or logos, which adds to the illusion.

Once the money is gone, so are they. You might discover the scam only when you try to pick up keys, schedule move-in, or reach out to the actual property owner or manager. They may go so far as to provide a self-showing link for move-in, but you notice the link is to set up a showing as if you are a prospective renter, and the information in the link does not match the lease or the scammers ads.

Search the address online to see if the rent, photos, and description match across reputable sites. Big differences usually signal a problem.

The scammer may go so far as to provide a real employee’s name as their own when corresponding with you. If you are suspicious, call our main line and ask to speak to that employee, then verify the information you’ve been given.

A rent that seems far below similar homes in the area often indicates a scammer trying to pull you in quickly.

Scammers try to move conversations to text or email. Stay on the listing site until you know you’re speaking with the real owner or manager.

Application fees, deposits, and first month’s rent should only be paid after a showing and through SCUDO’s secure portal, or with traceable methods, like a cashier’s check made out to SCUDO. We will never request payment via any peer to peer apps like venmo, cashapp, or paypal.

Legitimate property managers and owners usually have a website, reviews, or public contact information. If someone claims to represent a company, check that the details match. The property owner will not contact you directly at any time. If the scammer says that they are the property owner, who recently fired SCUDO, this is a scam. SCUDO does not advertise properties for past clients.

There’s nothing wrong with confirming who you’re meeting, especially if the person states they’re a property manager or leasing agent.

Scammers often use generic or inconsistent documents. Check that names, addresses, and company information line up with what you’ve already verified.

Pressure to act fast is a common tactic. Take the time you need to confirm the details before sending any money.

Flagging a questionable post helps protect you and other renters from falling into the same situation.