I Found a Rental Online — How Do I Know It’s Not a Scam?

Every renter at this point has asked that questions at least one. That’s why RentMor wants to help provide some clarity and avoid being scammed.

🚩 First Rule: Never Send Money Without Seeing the Home

One of the biggest red flags in rental scams is being asked to send money before seeing the property.

Legitimate landlords will always allow a showing (in person) before collecting any application fees or deposits. If someone pressures you to “secure the home” with a payment sight unseen, that’s a sign to stop.

RentMor rule: No tour = no money.

📞 Always Call — Don’t Rely on Messages Alone

Scammers often hide behind emails, texts, or messaging apps. A real listing should have a real person behind it. Before moving forward:

Call the landlord, agent, or property manager directly
Ask clear questions about the home, lease terms, and availability
Pay attention to vague answers or refusal to speak by phone

🏡 Verify the Address on Google Maps

Another easy way to find out if a rental is real is by researching the property:

Enter the address into Google Maps
Compare the exterior with the listing photos
Verify reviews about the landlord (if it is a property management company)
Verify how long the home has been listed.

If the photos or information don’t match the property, or there are bad reviews of the landlord, walk away.

🔐 Protect Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive documents or financial records with someone you haven’t verified. Some professional companies may ask for proof of ID to schedule a showing. This is common and usually done through secure systems, but no one is allowed to ask for bank statements or credit card information if you have not applied for the home.

✅ What a Legitimate Rental Process Looks Like:

Listing is publicly available
You speak with a real person
You tour the property
You submit an application through a secure platform and pay a fee
Documents are verified
You received an outcome, either approved or denied. If you are approved, you will have to pay the deposit, first month's rent, and other applicable fees.

Anything that skips these steps deserves extra caution. A legitimate rental will still be there after you verify it. Scammers rely on urgency and emotion to push renters into mistakes.

At RentMor, we believe renting should feel clear, safe, and transparent. If you’re unsure about a listing or need help verifying a rental, it’s always better to ask before you act.