Security Corner Blog

Looking for off-campus housing can be exciting, but it’s also a time when scammers try to take advantage of students who want to find a place to live. Fake rental listings, stolen photos, fraudulent sublets, and requests for upfront payments can quickly turn this milestone into a costly mistake.

Before you send any money or share your personal information, look out for these common warning signs.

Red Flags to Watch For

The rent seems too good to be true.

If a property is much cheaper than other rentals nearby, it might be a scam. Check prices on other local listings before you decide.

You’re asked to pay before seeing the property.

Scammers often push students to send a security deposit, application fee, or first month’s rent before they have verified the property. A legitimate landlord or property manager should provide a reasonable way to view the property in person or through a live virtual tour if you are moving from far away.

Keep in mind that a tour, lockbox code, or lease document does not automatically prove that someone is authorized to rent the property.

The landlord creates a sense of urgency.

Messages such as “Several people are interested” or “You need to pay today to hold it” are meant to rush you. Take your time and make sure the listing and the person offering it are legitimate.

The listing appears in multiple places with different contact information.

Look up the property’s address online. If you see the same photos or address with different prices, names, or contact details, that is a major warning sign.

You can also use a reverse-image search to see whether the photos were copied from another rental or real estate listing.

The person offering the rental cannot be verified.

Do not rely only on the phone number, email address, or website provided in the listing. Look up the landlord or property management company independently and confirm that the property is available and the person contacting you is authorized to rent it.

Students can also check with their school’s housing office.

You’re asked to use a risky payment method.

Never pay a rental deposit with gift cards or cryptocurrency. Be especially cautious about wire transfers, cash, and person-to-person payment apps because the money may be difficult to recover.

Before paying, verify the person receiving the money, review and sign the lease, and confirm the payment instructions independently.

Sensitive information is requested through an unverified process.

Legitimate rental applications may request a Social Security number, driver’s license, income information, or permission to perform a credit or background check.

Before sharing sensitive information, verify the property and the person or company requesting it. Be especially cautious when documents are requested through text messages, social media, or an unfamiliar email address.

The offer involves a roommate or sublet.

Scammers may also pose as students, roommates, or tenants offering a room or sublease. Confirm that the person is permitted to rent or sublet the space, verify the arrangement with the landlord or property manager, and put all agreements in writing.

How to Protect Yourself

• Tour the property before paying whenever possible.
• Verify the landlord, property manager, roommate, or person offering the sublet.
• Read the lease carefully before signing.
• Research the property’s address and listing photos online.
• Confirm payment instructions independently.
• Keep copies of all listings, emails, texts, leases, and payment receipts.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it is okay to walk away.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you have already sent money or shared personal information, act fast.

Contact your financial institution or payment provider immediately and ask whether the transaction can be stopped, recalled, disputed, or recovered.

Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission through ReportFraud.gov.

If you shared personal information such as your Social Security number or driver’s license, visit IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan and receive step-by-step guidance. You may also need to change compromised passwords, monitor your accounts, or place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports.

File a report with your local police department if money was stolen or your identity was used fraudulently.

If the listing was posted on a rental website, social media platform, student group, or university housing board, report it so it can be investigated and removed.

Finding off-campus housing should be exciting, not stressful. Taking a few extra minutes to check a listing, confirm the landlord’s identity, and avoid high-pressure tactics can help protect your money and personal information. 

If you are unsure, slow down, do your research, and trust your instincts over any sense of urgency.