TalkScams Team · Source-backed educational guide · Not a community report
Copied apartment photos hide a fake rental agent
A fraudster can reuse photos, floor plans and descriptions from a genuine listing while replacing the contact information. The address may be real even though the supposed agent has no authority to rent it.
Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission · Original advisory date: 2026-06-16
This summary is not a firsthand report or an endorsement or partnership by the source.
Warning signs to recognize
- The same property appears with conflicting contact names or prices.
- The supposed owner or agent has not been independently authenticated
How to check or protect yourself
- Find the property manager independently and verify the listing with them.
- Save listing and payment records and report deceptive rental adverts