Housing, Rentals & Home Buying
Fake listings, deposit theft, and wire fraud when buying a home.
Absentee-Landlord 'Mail the Deposit' Scam
A 'landlord' who is conveniently out of town lists a great rental and asks you to wire a deposit before viewing — for a place they don't own.
Read the guide →Mortgage-Relief / Foreclosure-Rescue Scam
Companies promise to stop foreclosure or modify your mortgage for an upfront fee, take the money, and leave you closer to losing your home — sometimes tricking you into signing over the title.
Read the guide →Moving-Company Hostage-Load / Lowball Estimate
A mover gives a lowball quote, then loads your belongings and demands a much higher payment before they'll deliver — holding your goods 'hostage.'
Read the guide →Property-Tax 'Reassessment / Refund' Phish
A notice offers a property-tax refund or a fee-based 'reassessment/appeal' service, phishing your details or charging for something you can do free.
Read the guide →Rent-to-Own / 'No Credit Check' Upfront-Fee Scam
A 'rent-to-own' or no-credit-check home deal collects a large upfront option fee or deposit for a property the scammer doesn't own or control.
Read the guide →Rental & Apartment Scams
A 'landlord' who can't show the place wants a deposit up front — and the keys never arrive.
Read the guide →Section 8 / Housing-Assistance Scam
Scammers charge fees to 'get you on the Section 8 list,' guarantee a voucher, or pose as landlords accepting vouchers for deposits on units that don't exist.
Read the guide →Timeshare-Resale 'Buyer Waiting' Fee Scam
A 'broker' claims a buyer is ready to purchase your timeshare and collects upfront fees (closing, taxes, transfer) for a sale that never happens.
Read the guide →Vacation-Rental Off-Platform Deposit Scam
A 'host' lures you off Airbnb/VRBO to pay by wire or app for a discount — losing you the platform's protection for a rental that may not exist.
Read the guide →
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