Rental Scam Emails: 8 Real Examples You Need to See
We analyzed hundreds of rental scam reports to compile the most common email templates scammers use. Knowing these patterns can save you thousands of dollars.
Scammers follow scripts. Once you have seen a few, you will recognize them instantly. Each example below is based on real scam reports, with annotations highlighting the specific red flags.
1. The Classic "Overseas Missionary"
From: pastor.johnson1985@gmail.com
Dear prospective tenant,
Thank you for your interest in my property. I am currently serving as a missionary in West Africa and unfortunately cannot show the property in person. My late wife and I purchased this home many years ago, and since her passing, I have been doing God's work overseas.
I am looking for a God-fearing, responsible tenant who will take care of the property. The rent is $650/month for a 3-bedroom home which includes all utilities.
If you are interested, please send the first month's rent and security deposit ($1,300 total) via Western Union, and I will have the keys mailed to you immediately. God bless you.
Pastor David Johnson
Red flags in this email:
- Landlord overseas (missionary)
- Sob story (late wife)
- Religious manipulation ("God-fearing," "God bless")
- Price way below market for a 3BR
- Western Union payment
- Mailing keys without a viewing
- Free email address (gmail.com)
2. The "Urgent Transfer" Email
From: sarah.m.landlord@yahoo.com
Hi there!
Thanks for reaching out about the apartment on [Street Name]. I've gotten a LOT of interest and already have 6 applications. Since you contacted me first, I want to give you priority.
I just got transferred for work and need to fill this ASAP. If you can send the security deposit ($800) via Zelle by end of day, I'll take the listing down and it's yours. I can't hold it past today — too many people are interested.
I'm happy to send you a video tour since I'm already at my new location. No need to see it in person — the photos on the listing are current.
Let me know ASAP!
Sarah
Red flags:
- Artificial urgency ("6 applications," "end of day," "can't hold")
- Relocated / unavailable to show property
- Zelle payment before viewing
- Discourages in-person viewing
- Yahoo email address
3. The "Too Good to Be True" Deal
From: premium.rentals.nyc@gmail.com
Hello,
Beautiful luxury 2BR/2BA in Manhattan, $900/month. Doorman building, in-unit laundry, rooftop terrace, gym, pet friendly. Recently renovated, brand new appliances.
No credit check required. No income verification. First come, first served.
To apply, please send your full name, date of birth, SSN, and a copy of your driver's license to this email along with a $200 non-refundable application fee via CashApp.
Premium Rentals NYC
Red flags:
- Manhattan 2BR for $900 (average is $4,200+)
- No credit check, no income verification
- Requests SSN, DOB, and driver's license via email
- CashApp payment for application fee
- Generic Gmail address for a "premium" company
- Identity theft setup disguised as an application
4. The "Military Deployment" Script
From: sgt.williams.rental@hotmail.com
Good afternoon,
I am Sergeant First Class Robert Williams, currently deployed overseas with the U.S. Army. My family and I own a home at [Address] that we need to rent while I complete my deployment.
The home is available immediately at $850/month (utilities included). I am unable to show the property in person due to my deployment, but my attorney can handle the paperwork and key transfer once the deposit is received.
Please send the first month + security ($1,700) via MoneyGram to the name and address I will provide. The deposit is fully refundable if you change your mind after seeing the property.
Thank you for your service to our community. God bless America.
SFC Robert Williams
Red flags:
- Military deployment excuse (very common scam script)
- Cannot show property
- Below-market rent with utilities included
- MoneyGram payment
- "Refundable deposit" claim (it is not)
- Hotmail address for military personnel
- Patriotic/emotional language
5. The "Airbnb Pivot"
From: mike.property.mgmt@gmail.com
Hey!
I saw your message about the apartment. Great choice! This unit was previously an Airbnb but I'm converting it to a long-term rental, which is why the photos look so professional and the price is great.
To make it easy, I can set up the rental through Airbnb so you have buyer protection. Just click this link to complete the booking: [suspicious link]
This gives you full refund protection through Airbnb's platform. Win-win!
Red flags:
- Suspicous link (likely a phishing page disguised as Airbnb)
- Airbnb does not offer long-term rental protection this way
- Redirecting to an external platform to avoid verification
- Too-convenient explanation for why photos look professional
6. The "Background Check" Phish
From: applications@rent-verify-now.com
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the property at [Address]. Before we can schedule a viewing, our company policy requires all applicants to complete a background and credit check.
Please complete your application at: [link to fake verification site]
The one-time verification fee of $35 covers the background check, credit report, and income verification. This is standard practice in our industry.
Red flags:
- Background check required BEFORE viewing the property
- Links to a third-party "verification" site (phishing)
- Collects personal data and payment info simultaneously
- Domain name designed to look official but is not a real company
7. The "Property Manager Impersonation"
From: leasing@greystar-properties.net (Note: real company is greystar.com)
Hi [Name],
Thank you for your inquiry about the unit at [Address]. We at Greystar Properties are pleased to offer this unit at $1,450/month.
To secure your lease, please submit your application along with a $500 holding deposit via wire transfer to the following account: [bank details]
Red flags:
- Domain impersonation (greystar-properties.net vs greystar.com)
- Wire transfer payment request
- Always verify by calling the company's official phone number from their real website
8. The "Recovery Scam" (Double-Dip)
From: recovery.specialist@fraud-claims-dept.com
Dear [Name],
We understand you were recently a victim of a rental scam. Our Fraud Recovery Department has been tracking the scammer who took your money and we have successfully frozen their accounts.
To process your refund of $[exact amount lost], we require a processing fee of $150 paid via Bitcoin to cover legal and administrative costs. Once received, your full refund will be issued within 5-7 business days.
Red flags:
- This is a SECOND scam targeting people who were already scammed
- No legitimate agency requires Bitcoin payment for refund processing
- Real law enforcement does not charge fees to return stolen money
- They know the exact amount you lost because they are the same scammer (or bought the info)
How to Handle Suspicious Emails
- Never click links in emails from unknown senders
- Check the sender's email domain carefully — scammers use domains that look similar to real companies
- If they claim to represent a company, call that company directly using the number from their official website
- Never send money or personal information via email
- Use our scam checker tool to analyze any listing text for red flags
Got a Suspicious Listing Email?
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