Rental scams
I sent money to a rental scammer. What should I do right now?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Contact the service you paid with immediately, whether that's your bank, card issuer, Zelle through your bank, Venmo, Cash App or the wire service. Say it was a scam and ask them to stop, reverse or recall the payment. The first few hours matter most. Then stop talking to the scammer and save every message.
- Call your bank or card issuer on the number printed on your card or on their website, and use the word "fraud". Ask about recalling a wire or disputing a card charge.
- Report the payment inside the app you used as well.
- Screenshot the listing, the profile, the messages and the payment confirmations before the scammer deletes them.
- File a police report. Banks and payment apps sometimes ask for one, and it creates an official record.
- If you also sent a copy of your ID, your Social Security number or bank details, act on that as possible identity theft.
Expect the scammer, or someone working with them, to come back. Some pose as a "recovery service", a lawyer or a police officer who can get your money back for a fee. Real agencies don't charge you to recover stolen money, so ignore these offers.
For the full recovery checklist, read scammed online, now what?.
Want the whole picture? Read How To Avoid Housing Scams.