How to Avoid Rental Scams in New Jersey

Rental Scams Are Common

Every year, thousands of renters lose money to rental scams in New Jersey. Scammers steal photos from legitimate listings, create fake postings, and collect deposits and rent for apartments they don't own. Here's how to protect yourself.

Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Scam

Too Good to Be True Pricing

• Rent significantly below market rate
• Example: 2BR in Jersey City for $800/month? Scam.
• Research comparable rentals to know fair prices

Refuses to Meet in Person

• "I'm out of the country"
• "I'm traveling for work"
• "Just send the deposit and I'll mail you the keys"
• ANY excuse to avoid a physical showing

Pressure to Pay Immediately

• "Many people are interested—pay now to hold it"
• "Special discount if you pay today"
• Rushing you to make decisions without time to think

Unusual Payment Methods

• Wire transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram)
• Cash only
• Cryptocurrency
• Gift cards (HUGE red flag)
• Payment required before seeing apartment

Vague or Evasive Answers

• Won't give a specific address
• Can't answer basic questions about the building
• Generic responses that don't match your questions
• Poor grammar/spelling inconsistent with professional landlord

Copied Listings

• Photos look professional but don't match the address
• Same listing appears on multiple sites at different prices
• Reverse image search shows photos from real estate sites

How to Verify a Legitimate Listing

Step 1: Research the Address

• Google Street View—does the building exist?
• Check tax records for owner name (county assessor website)
• Look up the building on Zillow/Trulia—listed elsewhere?

Step 2: Verify the "Landlord"

• Ask for ID showing they own the property
• Cross-reference name with tax records
• Look them up on LinkedIn, company websites
• Call their office, not just the cell number in the ad

Step 3: Visit in Person

• Meet at the actual apartment
• See them unlock the door (proves they have access)
• Look for mail addressed to them at the property
• Talk to neighbors about the landlord

Step 4: Get Everything in Writing

• Signed lease document
• Receipt for all payments
• Landlord's full legal name and contact info
• Building management company info

Common Scam Scenarios

The Hijacked Listing

Scammer copies a real listing (photos, description) but uses their own contact info and lower price. You think you're renting a real apartment, but the scammer has no connection to it.

The Keys in the Mail

"Wire me the deposit and first month's rent, and I'll mail you the keys." By the time you realize there's no apartment, the money is gone and untraceable.

The Fake Agent

Someone poses as a broker or property manager for a building they don't represent. They may even show you an empty apartment (gaining access during an open house or with a stolen key).

The Bait and Switch

You pay a deposit, then are told that apartment is "no longer available" but here's a different (worse) one for the same price—or you lose your deposit.

Safe Payment Practices

1. Pay by check when possible—creates a paper trail
2. Make checks out to a legitimate company or individual—not "cash"
3. Get receipts for everything
4. Never pay solely in cash
5. Use credit card via legitimate portal when available (offers fraud protection)

If You've Been Scammed

Report It

• NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: (800) 242-5846
• FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• FBI Internet Crime: IC3.gov
• Local police: File a report
• Platform where you found the listing: Report the ad

Document Everything

• Save all emails, texts, screenshots
• Keep records of any payments made
• Note phone numbers and any names used