The District Attorney’s Office encourages Ventura County residents to watch out for these red flags when using online rental advertisements to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

• Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices: Online rental listings at below-market rent prices, especially for desirable properties, are often bait to lure victims.

• Upfront Payment Demands: Scammers request security deposits, rent, or fees (e.g., background and credit checks) before you have seen the property or signed a lease. Legitimate landlords typically verify tenants’ qualifications before ever requesting payment.

• No In-Person or Virtual Tour: If the “landlord” refuses to show the property in person or via video call, claiming they are unavailable or out of town, this is a red flag.

• Suspicious Contact Methods: Communication solely through email, text, or apps like WhatsApp, with reluctance to speak by phone or in person, can indicate a scam.

• Fake Listings or Stolen Photos: Listings may use photos copied from other sites (e.g., Airbnb, Zillow) or generic stock images. Use reverse image search (like Google Images) to verify photos.
• Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers often push victims to immediately send money, claiming high demand to prevent victims from researching the property before parting with cash.

• Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for payments via wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or apps like Venmo are red flags. Legitimate landlords typically accept checks or other secure payment methods that are traceable.

• Social media or Non-Standard Platforms: Listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist pose a higher risk for scams due to less oversight and the opportunity for the scammer(s) to hide their identity and pose as a legitimate landlord or owner of the subject property.

VC DA Office, Joey Buttitta
Communications Manager/PIO
(805) 767-3400
Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
DA.VenturaCounty.gov