San Diego Woman’s $2,500 Loss Shines Light on Rental Scams

A San Diego woman lost $2,500 to a fake landlord after being enticed by an unusually low rental price in an expensive neighborhood, highlighting the dangers of rental scams that are all-too common nationwide.

Quick Takes

Alexandria Moya was scammed out of $2,500 after being offered a $1,000/month rental in San Diego, far below market rates.
Rental scams increased 64.1% in 2023, with Americans losing $350 million to such fraud in 2021 alone.
Common red flags include pressure for immediate payment, landlords who claim to be out of town, and listings with prices too good to be true.
Protect yourself by verifying property ownership through public records and using secure payment methods that can be traced or disputed.
Always inspect properties in person and be wary of anyone unwilling to meet face-to-face or requesting untraceable payment methods.

A Costly Lesson in San Diego

Alexandria Moya of San Diego fell victim to a housing scam that cost her $2,500 and left her without a place to live. Attracted by a rental listing offering a $1,000 monthly rate in a beachside neighborhood where typical rents are significantly higher, Moya found herself caught in a fraudster’s carefully laid trap. When she expressed interest in the property, the scammer pressured her to make an immediate cash payment to secure the rental. Only after handing over her money did Moya discover she couldn’t move in, and the supposed landlord refused to provide a refund.

The emotional toll was significant for Moya, who admitted, “I was hurt. I cried about it.” Her experience reflects an alarming trend in rental scams that have surged across the country. The FBI reported Americans lost $350 million to rental fraud in 2021 alone, with a 64.1% increase in such scams during 2023, according to the Better Business Bureau. In high-demand rental markets like San Diego, scammers find particularly fertile ground for their deceptive operations.

Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney, spoke about these types of scams, saying, “These are really under reported. People often get scammed, and they’re embarrassed and they move on and they don’t report it. It’s really important to report it.”

Common Tactics Used by Fraudulent Landlords

Rental scammers employ several predictable tactics to lure victims. One of the most common strategies involves advertising properties at rates significantly below market value – Moya described her $1,000 rental as “too good to be true,” which should have been the first warning sign in an area where comparable rentals cost much more. Scammers frequently claim to be out of town or unavailable to meet in person, making excuses about why they can’t show the property while pressuring potential renters to secure the “deal” quickly before someone else takes it.

Another prevalent scheme involves duplicating legitimate property listings from real estate websites but changing the contact information to direct inquiries to the scammer. These fraudsters often create elaborate backstories to build trust with victims while simultaneously creating a sense of urgency to force quick decision-making. They typically request payment through methods that are difficult to trace or recover, such as wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash – precisely what happened in Moya’s case.

How to Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

To avoid becoming a victim like Alexandria Moya, potential renters should take several precautionary steps before sending money for any rental property. First, verify property ownership through public records, which are typically accessible through county assessor or tax collector websites. Research the property management company if one is involved, checking their license status and looking for reviews. When possible, use established and trusted rental platforms that offer some protection against fraudulent listings.

It’s important to be skeptical of rental prices significantly below market rates. Take time to research typical rental costs in your target neighborhood to identify deals that seem suspiciously cheap. Whenever possible, visit properties in person before making any payment, or have a trusted representative do so if you’re relocating from out of town. During these visits, verify that the property is actually vacant and available for rent as claimed.

Secure Payment Methods Are Essential

When it comes time to make deposits or payments, use methods that provide a paper trail and potential recourse if fraud occurs. Credit cards are particularly useful for initial deposits as they allow you to dispute charges if necessary. Avoid cash, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift cards, which offer little to no protection. Be cautious about large up-front deposits, particularly those exceeding one month’s rent plus a security deposit, as these may be attempts to maximize the scammer’s take before disappearing.

If you encounter a potential rental scam, report it immediately to local law enforcement, your state attorney general’s office, the Federal Trade Commission, and any platform where the listing appeared. While Alexandria Moya’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, her willingness to share her story may help others avoid similar financial losses. In today’s competitive rental market, taking extra time to verify legitimacy can save thousands of dollars and significant heartache.