Online scams are on the rise, and property rentals are not exempt. The urgency and high-value transactions involved in renting a property make renters prime targets for scammers. This guide will help you recognize and avoid common rental scams, empowering you to make safer decisions.
Source: CEA Rental Scams
These figures highlight the importance of staying vigilant and informed.
Scammers constantly come up with new methods of scamming. Therefore, it is important to learn about the general signs of a scam rather than individual scenarios. Here are common warning signs to watch out for:
Who doesn't like a good deal? But, be cautious that these so-called “good deals” might be scams.
Scammers often lure victims with deals that seem too good to be true. While great deals exist, exercise caution if the offer seems unrealistic. Always compare the listing with similar properties in the area.
A scammer's goal is to steal your money. To do so, they may use various psychological tricks designed to manipulate you into sending money to them. Creating a sense of urgency is a common tactic to push victims into making hasty decisions.
Examples include:
Scammers often act in ways that deviate from standard rental practices. If something feels off or doesn’t follow the usual process of renting a property, it’s worth investigating further.
Be cautious of:
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
A major factor enabling scams is the use of fake identities. Scammers thrive on anonymity, making it difficult to trace their actions.
To enhance safety, Hozuko offers optional identity verification for property owners using Singpass, Singapore's government-backed digital identity system. Listings by verified owners are marked prominently, allowing renters to identify safer options at a glance. While this is currently optional, we encourage all owners to verify their identities. We may require verification for all users in the future as needed.
Verified listings
Unverified listings
If you believe you have encountered a rental scam:
Your vigilance helps protect yourself and others in the community.
If you have questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our support team. Hozuko is committed to making rentals safer for everyone.