The Federal Trade Commission published a Data Spotlight showing almost 65,000 rental scam reports since 2020 and roughly $65 million in reported losses. The report warns scammers often copy legitimate listings or post fake ads that begin on platforms like Facebook and Craigslist, and outlines common tactics and consumer protections.

On December 22, 2025 the Federal Trade Commission released a Data Spotlight highlighting the scale and methods of rental-listing fraud. The FTC found nearly 65,000 rental-scam reports since 2020, with around $65 million in reported victim losses. Scammers frequently replicate legitimate listings or create entirely fake ads, often moving communications to private messages or email after initial contact; many reports trace origins to social media marketplaces and classified sites such as Facebook and Craigslist. Typical tactics include demanding up-front deposits, asking for sensitive personal information, or coercing wire or gift-card payments. The spotlight provides practical consumer steps to reduce risk, including verifying listings, visiting properties in person, using secure payment methods, refusing overpayment or escrow schemes, and guarding personal data. The FTC also encourages reporting suspicious listings and provides resources for renters to check legitimacy. The agency emphasized education and platform vigilance as central to reducing both financial harm and identity exposure in rental markets.