TalkScams Team · Source-backed educational guide · Not a community report
Out-of-country owner says keys will be mailed after payment
A fake landlord may explain their inability to meet by claiming to be overseas and offering to send keys once a deposit is received. This story can conceal the fact that the sender has no access to the home.
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
- An alleged owner avoids local verification and insists on upfront payment.
- The supposed owner or agent has not been independently authenticated
How to check or protect yourself
- Verify the actual owner and use a legitimate local property manager.
- Save listing and payment records and report deceptive rental adverts