The keys to nowhere: spotting rental scams before it's too late

The growth of social media and rental marketplaces has allowed us to find travel accommodation and new homes anywhere in the world, in just a few taps. Nowadays, you can find somewhere to stay — temporarily or permanently — without the need for travel agents or expert guides.

But this new landscape continues to be infiltrated by scammers who prey on people’s trust, and their exploitative tactics are constantly evolving. Falling victim to a fraudster who creates fake rental advertisements in order to steal your money is called a rental scam. In this post, we’ll explain what they look like, as well as what you can do to avoid becoming a victim.

What's a rental scam?

Rental scams are common on social media and online marketplaces, targeting people seeking housing or vacation rentals. Fraudsters take advantage of high demand and limited availability to pressure victims into making deposits or payments for properties that don’t exist.

How do they work?

• Fake listings: scammers post attractive rental ads with stolen photos and details. They often offer below-market rates to entice potential renters.
• Pressure to pay quickly: victims are asked to pay deposits or rent upfront to secure the property. Whilst this can be normal when renting a property, in these cases, the scammer may claim high demand to create a sense of urgency, and rush you to make a decision.
• No property inspection: victims are discouraged or outright denied the opportunity to view the property in person before making a payment.

How do I protect myself?

• Cross-check listings. Search for the property on multiple platforms to ensure it’s not being duplicated fraudulently.
• Demand in-person inspections. Never pay for a rental you haven’t seen in person or confirmed with a trusted source.
• Use secure payment methods. Avoid making payments through wire transfers or untraceable methods.

Revolut's fraud safety checklist

Social media and online rental marketplaces offer the chance to find accommodation anywhere in the world, but this comes with its own set of risks. Stay safe while searching for your dream home or holiday destination by recognising the signs of scams and taking proactive measures to protect yourself. Remember these key tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud while using Revolut:

1. Stay informed: if you spot an attractive rental advert on social media, check out the profile plus any comments or reviews — and keep an eye out for alerts on fraudulent rental ads online. Remember, fraudsters constantly adapt their tactics to exploit new vulnerabilities. Want to know more? Our Revolut fraud and scams hub is a great place to start.
2. Be sceptical: make sure you vet any rental adverts by researching the seller and don’t give in to urgent demands. If the host refuses to provide further details until you’ve paid, or puts pressure on you due to ‘high demand’, take a step back.
3. Use secure payment methods: choose payment methods that provide buyer protection, and never transfer money directly to strangers. If possible, book accommodation directly through a trusted app, like Revolut Stays. Activate your Revolut single-use virtual card to keep your details hidden and fraudsters out of the loop.
4. Report suspicious activity: if you suspect a scam, report it to Revolut and the platform hosting the fraudulent activity. If you think you may have been the victim of fraud, freeze your card and reach out to us in the app.

Online rental marketplaces are a double-edged sword — scammers exploit trust and urgency in the hope that people won’t notice the warning signs, turning unsuspecting users into victims of fraud. 

Revolut provides you with a host of security controls, proactive warnings, and in-app educational materials to keep you safe and informed in real-time. Whether you’re booking, buying, or selling online, staying aware of common scams will keep you one step ahead.