TLDR
Scammer copies photos of a real for sale Zillow/Redfin listing or active VRBO unit, reposts as 'for rent' on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace at below market price, claims to be 'overseas missionary / military deployed', asks for first...
How it works
Scammer copies photos of a real for sale Zillow/Redfin listing or active VRBO unit, reposts as 'for rent' on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace at below market price, claims to be 'overseas missionary / military deployed', asks for first...
Red flags
- Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.
- A link or sender that does not match the official organization.
- Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.
What to do
- 1WHAT TO DO: verify on county recorder; insist on in person showing; never pay before signed lease + walkthrough.
- 2IF VICTIM: file ic3.gov + FTC + Craigslist/Meta; payment service may reverse if reported within 24h.
Source
FAQ
Is Rental property scam — stolen Zillow/VRBO listing on Craigslist a real scam pattern?
Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.
What are the first warning signs?
Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.; A link or sender that does not match the official organization.; Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.
What should I do first?
WHAT TO DO: verify on county recorder; insist on in person showing; never pay before signed lease + walkthrough.; IF VICTIM: file ic3.gov + FTC + Craigslist/Meta; payment service may reverse if reported within 24h.
Can LegalAudit check my case?
Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.