Fake rental listing scams can cost you thousands

You find a charming rental in the right neighborhood.

The price sits slightly below other homes nearby.

Better yet, it becomes available right when your current lease ends.

Then the pressure begins.

Consider a Southern California renter who recently found a two-bedroom bungalow near family.

The supposed landlord said she could not tour it because the current occupants had not moved out.

Instead, he sent her a professional video of the home.

The video looked convincing because it was real.

However, the scammer had copied it from an earlier property listing.

After collecting an application fee, the fake landlord requested a deposit through Zelle.

A phone conversation helped ease the renter's concerns.

He also promised receipts and said the deposit was refundable.

She sent more than $2,500.

When she asked for the money back, the calls stopped and the messages went unanswered.