Fake Rental Listings Target Military Members Rushing to Find Housing During PCS Moves
Scammers create fake rental listings targeting military members dealing with last-minute PCS orders, posting non-existent properties with stolen photos and below-market prices that grab attention when time is short. Because they can't show the unit, they make up excuses — deployed, out of the country, dealing with an emergency — and demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. Once you pay, they disappear.
The FTC advises slowing down even when rushing. Search the address online for duplicate listings with different landlords, ask someone you trust to drive by, or contact the relocation office at your new base to verify before sending money.
What to look for
- Rental listings priced significantly below market rate in your new duty station area
- Landlords who cannot or will not show the property in person, offering excuses like being deployed or out of the country
- Photos that match listings on other sites under different landlords or prices
- Payment demands via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram
What to do
Verify the listing by searching the address online, checking it out in person, or contacting the relocation or housing referral office at your new base before sending any money.