It’s hard to find the perfect place to live during college. You’re juggling classes, maybe a part-time job, and trying to figure out adulting…all while hunting for housing that won’t break the bank. Unfortunately, scammers know this and specifically target college students with fake rental listings.
It is a little scary to realize, but once you know what to look for, these scams are pretty easy to spot!
Why College Students Are Prime Targets for Rental Scams
Rental scammers love targeting college students because you’re typically dealing with some inexperience around leases and rental processes. You might not know what’s normal versus what’s sketchy about deposits, application fees, or lease terms—especially if you’re doing most of your housing search online. While these platforms are convenient, they’re also where most rental scams live.
There’s also serious pressure to secure housing quickly near campus. Good spots fill up fast, so scammers exploit this urgency by creating fake “limited time” offers that pressure you to act before you can think things through.
Common Types of Rental Scams
Scammers can get creative, but most rental scams fall into a few categories. Here’s what to watch out for:
Fake Listings
These are probably the most common scams you’ll encounter. Scammers steal photos from legitimate rental websites and create fake listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or other platforms.
The listing might show an amazing apartment at a price that seems too good to be true (spoiler alert: it usually is). When you contact them, they’ll have some excuse for why you can’t see the place in person. They might say they’re “traveling” or “the current tenant won’t allow showings.”
Upfront Payment Scams
Sometimes, a “landlord” asks for money before you’ve even seen the place. They might want an application fee, security deposit, or first month’s rent via wire transfer, cash app, or gift cards. This is 100% a scam. Real landlords will let you tour the property and complete a proper application process before asking for any money.
Note: Some application apps will charge you a small fee for signing up with them, notably Rentler and Zillow. This is not a scam. That small fee goes to the application developer, not the landlord.
Subletting Scams
Someone may claim they need to sublet their apartment for the semester because they’re “studying abroad” or have a “family emergency.” They’ll ask for deposit money upfront and send you fake lease documents. The twist? They don’t actually live there, or the apartment doesn’t exist at all.
Phishing Emails and Text Messages
You respond to a rental listing, and suddenly you’re getting emails or texts asking for personal information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or copies of your ID. Legitimate landlords will ask for this information during the application process, but not before you’ve even seen the place.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
A gorgeous three-bedroom house near campus for $500 a month? Yeah, that’s not happening. Scammers use unrealistic prices to grab your attention, then hit you with the other tactics mentioned above.
Signs a Rental Listing Might Be Fake
Here are some red flags that should make you pause before moving forward with any rental listing:
- The landlord refuses to meet in person or show you the property
- They ask for money before you’ve seen the place or completed an application
- The price is way below the market rate for the area
- Photos look professional but generic (reverse image search can help you check if they’re stolen)
- The landlord has poor grammar or spelling in their communications
- They pressure you to “act fast” or claim multiple people are interested
- They ask for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cash apps instead of checks
- The contact information seems sketchy (like a Gmail account for what should be a property management company)
- They can’t answer basic questions about the property or neighborhood
For more detailed information about identifying problematic rental situations, check out our guide on how to identify red flags in your Ohio rental property lease.
How to Avoid Rental Scams
Always insist on seeing the property in person before handing over any money. If someone refuses to show you the place, that’s a major red flag. Research the landlord or property management company online. Check reviews, look up their business registration, and see if they have an actual office or website.
Trust your gut. If something feels off about a listing or interaction, it probably is.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you think you’ve encountered a rental scam, here’s what you should do right away:
- Stop all communication with the suspected scammer and don’t send any money. Even if you’ve already started the process, it’s better to walk away than get scammed.
- Report the listing to whatever platform you found it on (Craigslist, Facebook, etc.). This helps protect other students from falling for the same scam.
- Let your campus housing services or student affairs office know about the scam. They often track these issues and can warn other students.
- Finally, file a complaint with the FTC or your local housing authority. This creates an official record and helps authorities track scam patterns.
Find Safe, Legitimate Housing with Wharton Rentals
Looking for trustworthy off-campus housing near Ohio University? Wharton Rentals has been helping students find quality places to live for years.
We believe in transparent pricing, fair lease terms, and actually showing you the properties before you sign anything. No surprises, no sketchy demands for money upfront, and definitely no fake listings. Check out our available properties or contact us to learn more about finding your perfect college home the right way.
