Red flags
- The rent is well below similar places nearby.
- You're pressured to pay tonight because “lots of people are interested”.
- The agent or owner is away and can't show you the property.
- Payment is requested by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to a personal account.
- The listing photos look professional but details are vague.
Checks before you pay anything
- Inspect in person, or have someone you trust do it.
- Look up the agency yourself and call its main number to confirm the agent and listing.
- Run a reverse image search on the listing photos to see if they appear elsewhere.
- Only pay through the agency's official channels, with a receipt.
If you've already paid
Contact your bank immediately — speed matters. In Australia you can also report scams to Scamwatch, which helps warn others.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to pay a holding deposit before inspecting?
It's a common scam tactic. Legitimate agents expect you to inspect first and take payment through official, traceable channels.
Can I get money back from a rental scam?
Sometimes, if you act quickly. Call your bank straight away and report the scam; delays make recovery much harder.