Rental deposit scams

A flat is listed below market price by a landlord who is conveniently abroad. You’re asked for a deposit before any viewing, sometimes with AI-edited photos.

What it looks like

Rental site · Landlord · Mark

The flat is still available! I'm working abroad so I can't show it, but pay the deposit and I'll courier the keys.

How it usually ends

The photos were lifted from an old listing and edited with AI. The flat belonged to someone else.

Red flags

Listing photos found elsewhere
Price 35% below the area
'Abroad, can't meet' pattern

What to do

Never pay before viewing the property and verifying the landlord.
Reverse-search listing photos.
Be cautious of prices far below the local market.

Could you spot it in the moment?

In Painted Sky you’re born at random somewhere on Earth and live a whole life — and this scam is one of the fakes that can find you. Make the call yourself, then replay the same life with a lens that shows what was fake.

Play Painted Sky — free →