Rental scams cost victims thousands of dollars every year. Philadelphia's rental market, while less frenzied than NYC, still attracts scammers targeting desperate apartment hunters. Here's how to protect yourself.
Major Red Flags
Warning Signs of a Scam
- Price too good to be true — Rittenhouse 2BR for $1,200? It's a scam.
- Can't show the apartment — 'I'm out of town' or 'just drive by' = red flag
- Pressure to pay before viewing — Never pay without seeing the place in person
- Wire transfer or gift cards only — Legitimate landlords accept checks or bank transfers
- Won't meet in person — Insists on email-only communication
- Copied listing photos — Reverse image search shows photos from other sites
- No rental license — All Philly rentals need valid L&I license
- Asks for Social Security upfront — Before application? That's identity theft.
Common Scam Types
1. The Phantom Listing
Scammer posts a listing for an apartment that doesn't exist or isn't actually for rent. They use photos stolen from other listings and offer below-market prices to attract victims.
2. The "Out of Town" Landlord
Scammer claims to be a missionary, military member, or relocated worker who can't show the apartment. They ask you to wire money for keys or a "holding deposit."
3. The Hijacked Listing
Scammer copies a legitimate listing from a management company, changes the contact info, and posts it at a lower price. The apartment is real, but the "landlord" isn't.
4. The Fake Manager
Someone pretends to be the property manager for a building they have no connection to. They may even have keys (from a previous showing or picked lock) to show you around.
How to Verify a Listing
Verification Checklist
- Verify ownership on Philadelphia property records
- Check that the rental license is valid at li.phila.gov
- Reverse image search the listing photos
- Search the address on StreetSmart for building info
- Meet the landlord in person at the property
- Ask for ID that matches property records
- Call the management company directly (find their number yourself, not from the listing)
- Never wire money or pay with gift cards
Check Property Ownership
You can verify who owns any Philadelphia property through the Office of Property Assessment:
- Visit property.phila.gov
- Search by address
- Check the owner's name matches who you're dealing with
Verify the Rental License
All Philadelphia rental properties must have a valid rental license. Check at li.phila.gov.
Research the Building
Search any Philadelphia address on StreetSmart to verify the building exists and see violations history.
Search BuildingsSafe Payment Practices
Safe Payment Methods
- Personal check — Creates a paper trail
- Certified check — For larger deposits
- Bank transfer (ACH) — Traceable and secure
- Credit card — If offered, provides fraud protection
Never Pay With
- Wire transfer — Cannot be reversed
- Gift cards — No legitimate landlord asks for these
- Cash without receipt — Always get documentation
- Cryptocurrency — Untraceable, irreversible
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
- Contact your bank immediately — Try to reverse the payment
- File a police report — Philadelphia Police: 911 (emergency) or 311 (non-emergency)
- Report to the FTC — reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report to the platform — If you found the listing on Craigslist, Zillow, etc.
- Monitor your credit — If you shared personal information
Resources
- Philadelphia Property Records — Verify ownership
- L&I License Lookup — Verify rental license
- Philadelphia Police: 311 (non-emergency)
- FTC Fraud Report