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Marketplace fraud

Fake Rental Deposit Scam

A fake rental listing shows attractive photos, below-market rent, and urgent availability. The scam asks for a token, deposit, or visit fee before verified viewing or paperwork.

if you got this

Treat it as a scam until you check. Don’t click, pay or share a code. Do not pay before verifying property and agent.

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what it looks like

Forwarded

Flat is available today. Pay refundable visit token to block the slot and get owner details.

Housing searches are stressful, and a good listing creates fear of missing out.

red flags

  • Rent far below market
  • Refusal to show property before token payment
  • Photos reused from other cities or listings
  • Pressure that many people are waiting
  • Agent name or phone does not match platform listing

if it’s happening now

  1. Do not pay before verifying property and agent.
  2. Reverse-search photos if possible.
  3. Ask for verified listing, paperwork, and in-person or video walkthrough.
  4. Use platform protections where available.
Already clicked, paid or shared something?

Don’t

  • Do not pay refundable tokens to unknown agents.
  • Do not share documents before verifying the listing.
  • Do not leave the listing platform for payment pressure.

Save this evidence

  • Listing URL
  • Photos
  • Agent phone number
  • Payment request and UPI ID

Stop it happening again

  • Compare rent with nearby listings.
  • Check image reuse.
  • Pay deposits only after verified paperwork and inspection.

questions people ask

Are visit tokens always scams?

Not always, but paying an unknown person before verifying the property, agent, and paperwork is high risk.

How do reused photos help scammers?

They let scammers create attractive listings without owning or controlling the property.

Last reviewed 8 July 2026.