Rental scams in the US specifically target international students. Scammers know you are searching from another country, unfamiliar with local prices, and eager to secure housing before you arrive. They use these facts against you.

The most common scam works like this: a listing appears on Craigslist or Facebook at a price slightly below market rate. The landlord responds quickly, says they are currently overseas or out of state, cannot show the apartment, but will send the keys after you pay a deposit via Zelle, Venmo, or wire transfer. Once you pay, they disappear.

Always verify ownership before paying anything. In the US, property records are public. Go to the county assessor or recorder website for the county where the property is located and search by address. The name on the record should match the name of your landlord. If it does not, ask for a clear explanation.

Never pay via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, Zelle, or Venmo before signing a lease. These payment methods have no fraud protection. Legitimate landlords accept cheques or bank transfers after a lease is signed, not before.

Ask for a live video walkthrough before paying anything. A scammer cannot show you a property they do not own. Ask the landlord to do a video call showing the interior, the building entrance, and the mailbox. If they refuse or make excuses, leave the conversation.

Be cautious about prices that seem too good for the area. If studio apartments in a neighbourhood list at $1,800 and you find one at $900 with all utilities included, that is not a deal. That is a red flag.

If you fall victim to a scam, report it immediately to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and your local police. Recovery is difficult but reporting helps track organised scam networks.