Real or Fake? How to Verify a Rental Before You Apply

Rental Listing Scams: How Raleigh Renters Can Protect Themselves

Searching for a new rental home can be exciting—but scammers know that emotion drives decisions. Across North Carolina, fake rental listings are costing renters time, money, and sometimes their identity. Understanding how these scams work is the first step toward protecting yourself and your wallet.

Two common types of scams dominate the rental market: hijacked listings and phantom rentals. Both prey on renters eager to move quickly, and both can be difficult to spot without the right information.

Hijacked Listings: When Real Homes Are Used in Fake Ads

A hijacked listing occurs when someone steals information from a real property advertisement and reposts it with fake contact details. The photos, address, and description are all genuine—but the person you’re talking to isn’t. Scammers may pose as property managers, landlords, or even use the names of legitimate agents to appear credible.

Once they gain your trust, they’ll request an application fee, deposit, or even first month’s rent to “hold” the home. By the time you realize the listing was fake, your money—and the scammer—are long gone.

To verify a listing, always confirm contact information directly through reputable sites, official property management websites, or licensed real estate agents. Never rely solely on social media or third-party marketplace listings.

Phantom Rentals: The Property That Doesn’t Exist

Phantom rental scams use photos of homes that may not even be for rent—or may not exist at all. The listings often advertise below-market rent prices or luxury amenities that seem too good to be true. When renters reach out, the scammer pressures them to act quickly, sometimes claiming there’s a long list of interested applicants.

You might be asked to send money before viewing the property or to “secure it immediately” through wire transfer, gift card, or a third-party payment app. Once payment is sent, communication stops. The property was never theirs to rent.

If a deal feels rushed or suspiciously cheap, trust your instincts and pause before sending money. Always confirm the property’s ownership through county records or by checking the listing on multiple legitimate platforms.

How to Stay Safe When Renting

Protecting yourself begins with awareness. Never submit payment or personal documents before verifying the identity of the landlord or property manager. Genuine professionals will provide a lease draft, identification, and the ability to view the property—either in person or virtually—before any money changes hands.

Avoid any landlord who refuses to meet, insists on payment through untraceable methods, or won’t provide a full property address. Keep records of all communications, receipts, and screenshots from your rental search, and store them securely until you’ve successfully moved in.

Be skeptical of emotional manipulation. Scammers rely on urgency—phrases like “you have to act now,” “someone else just offered,” or “I’m out of the country but can mail the keys.” No legitimate landlord operates that way.

If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a rental scam, act immediately. Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov). Contact the listing platform to flag and remove the fraudulent ad.

If you sent money, notify your bank or credit card company right away. They may be able to stop the transfer or recover part of your funds. Save all emails, payment receipts, and screenshots—they can help law enforcement track the scammer.

The Bottom Line for Raleigh Renters

The rental market moves fast, but safety should always come first. Whether you’re relocating across town or starting fresh in the Triangle, a legitimate landlord or property manager will never pressure you to send money before verifying details.

At Auralia Residential, tenant trust and transparency are foundational. Our leasing process ensures verified listings, professional communication, and secure application procedures—so you can rent with confidence and peace of mind.

For more guidance or to explore verified rental listings across the Raleigh area, contact Auralia Residential at 919.373.3037.