A surge in rental fraud has hit major cities around the world, as housing markets tighten and renters become increasingly desperate for accommodation.

Fraudsters are capitalizing on this urgency by posting fake rental ads online, tricking potential renters into paying deposits or fees for properties that don’t actually exist or aren’t available to rent.

According to scamnews.info, these scams typically involve well-crafted ads on popular real estate websites or social media platforms. The ads often feature eye-catching photos, below-market rents, and descriptions designed to entice renters looking for a deal.

Once a potential renter expresses interest, the fraudster quickly pressures them to pay a deposit or first month’s rent to secure the property, claiming that there are plenty of other interested parties.

Victims typically realize they’ve been scammed when they arrive at the supposed rental property, only to find it occupied by a legitimate tenant or none at all.

By then, the fraudster has disappeared, often leaving little to no trace of their identity behind. These fraudulent schemes have left many renters not only financially drained but also homeless.

To protect themselves, renters are advised to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and to avoid making payments before viewing the property in person.

Experts also recommend verifying the identity of the property owner and the legitimacy of the listing through multiple sources. As the global housing crisis worsens, awareness and vigilance are essential in preventing these devastating scams.