Chicago rental scams cost victims thousands of dollars every year. Scammers post fake listings, impersonate landlords, and collect deposits for apartments they don't own. Here's how to protect yourself and verify any listing before you pay.
Rental Scams Are Increasing
The FBI reports rental fraud losses exceeding $350 million annually nationwide. Chicago is a target due to its large rental market.
The most common scam: fake listings using photos stolen from legitimate rentals, with below-market prices to attract victims.
ðĐ Major Red Flags
Price is Too Good to Be True
A 1BR in Lincoln Park for $900? A Wicker Park apartment for $1,000? If it's 30-40% below market rate, it's almost certainly a scam.
Can't See the Apartment
"I'm out of town" or "Just send a deposit and I'll mail you the keys" = 100% scam. Always see an apartment in person before paying anything.
Requests Wire Transfer, Venmo, or Gift Cards
Legitimate landlords accept checks or bank transfers. Wire transfers, Zelle to strangers, Venmo, or gift cards are untraceable.
Pressure to Pay Immediately
"Someone else is about to take it" before you've even seen it. High pressure = scam.
No Lease or Vague Terms
Legitimate rentals have written leases. "We'll figure out the paperwork later" is a red flag.
Listed on Multiple Sites at Different Prices
Scammers repost stolen listings. If you see the same photos at wildly different prices, it's likely fraud.
How to Verify a Listing
Verification Checklist
- 1Search the address on StreetSmart
See property info and verify the building exists and matches the listing.
- 2Reverse image search the photos
Drag photos into Google Images. If they appear on other sites or old listings, the photos may be stolen.
- 3Check Cook County property records
The Cook County Assessor's website shows who owns any property.
- 4Meet at the building
Always meet at the actual apartment. If they want to meet elsewhere first, be suspicious.
- 5Verify they can access the unit
A legitimate landlord or agent will have keys. If they can't enter, walk away.
Verify Any Building for Free
Search any Chicago address to see property info, violations, and building history. If a listing seems suspicious, check it here first.
Search a BuildingCommon Chicago Rental Scams
1. The Phantom Listing
Scammer posts photos stolen from a real listing at a much lower price. They collect deposits from multiple victims for an apartment they don't control.
2. The Bait and Switch
You see a great apartment online, but when you arrive, they say it's "just rented" and show you a worse unit at a higher price.
3. The Fake Landlord
Someone poses as the landlord of a vacant unit and collects deposits. When you try to move in, the real owner has no idea who you are.
4. The Hijacked Listing
Scammers copy a legitimate listing but change the contact info. You think you're dealing with a real landlord but you're actually talking to a scammer.
Safe Payment Practices
- Never pay before seeing the apartment in person
- Never wire money or use gift cards
- Pay by check â made out to the landlord or management company
- Get receipts for everything
- Read the lease before paying
- Maximum security deposit is 1.5 months under the RLTO
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If You've Already Paid a Scammer:
- 1. Report to Chicago Police â File a police report
- 2. Report to the FTC â reportfraud.ftc.gov
- 3. Report to the FBI's IC3 â ic3.gov for internet crimes
- 4. Contact your bank â They may be able to reverse charges
- 5. Report the listing â Flag it on the platform where you found it
Where to Find Legitimate Listings
- Apartments.com, Zillow â Major platforms with some verification
- Direct from management companies â Large landlords list on their own sites
- Domu â Chicago-focused rental platform
- Building websites â New developments often have their own sites
Be extra cautious with: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and any listing that seems too good to be true.