TalkScams Team — educational discussion
Wire transfer required before receiving the rental contract — warning signs and safety checks
TalkScams Team discussion starter — an educational scam scenario, not a victim account.
What is the scam pattern?
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.
Warning signs to recognize
1. The recipient demands an immediate wire before signing a verified agreement.
2. The supposed owner or agent has not been independently authenticated
How to check or protect yourself
1. Do not wire funds until the property, landlord and lease have been authenticated.
2. Save listing and payment records and report deceptive rental adverts
Discuss with the community
How would you confirm the listing and the landlord’s authority before paying a deposit?
Original government advisory: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/moving-summer-watch-rental-scams