TalkScams Team · Source-backed educational guide · Not a community report
Wire transfer required before receiving the rental contract
A fraudulent agent may say a wire transfer will finalize a lease, sometimes with a promised refund if the property is unsuitable. A wire can be difficult to recover after a deceptive recipient vanishes.
Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission · Original advisory date: 2025-08-18
This summary is not a firsthand report or an endorsement or partnership by the source.
Warning signs to recognize
- The recipient demands an immediate wire before signing a verified agreement.
- The supposed owner or agent has not been independently authenticated
How to check or protect yourself
- Do not wire funds until the property, landlord and lease have been authenticated.
- Save listing and payment records and report deceptive rental adverts