San Diego Woman Hit By Rental Scam: How To Protect Yourself

A San Diego woman lost $2,500 in a rental scam after being lured by a deal that was too good to be true, highlighting the growing threat of fraudulent landlords targeting desperate renters in competitive housing markets.

Key Takeaways

Alexandria Moya fell victim to a rental scam in San Diego, losing $2,500 after being offered a suspiciously low $1,000/month deal in an expensive neighborhood.
Rental scams rose 64.1% in 2023, after the FBI reporting $350 million in losses during 2021 alone.
Warning signs include unusually low rental prices, pressure to pay before viewing, requests for cash or untraceable payment methods, and landlords claiming to be out of town.
Protect yourself by verifying property ownership through public records, researching property management companies, and using traceable payment methods like credit cards.
Report scams to local law enforcement, your state attorney general, the Federal Trade Commission, and rental platforms.

San Diego Woman Falls Victim to Elaborate Housing Scheme

Alexandria Moya’s search for affordable housing in San Diego turned into a financial nightmare when she encountered what appeared to be a deal too good to pass up. Moya found a rental property advertised at just $1,000 per month in a desirable beachside neighborhood—significantly below the area’s market rate. So, she pursued what seemed like a rare opportunity in a competitive market.

The scammer insisted Moya make an immediate cash payment of $2,500 to secure the property before other interested renters could claim it. After making the payment, Moya discovered she couldn’t move in as promised, and the supposed landlord refused to provide a refund. Her experience represents a significant trend across the country, with the FBI reporting that Americans lost approximately $350 million to rental scams in 2021. Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau reported fraud instances increased by 64.1% in 2023.

Identifying Common Rental Scam Techniques

Rental scammers typically follow patterns that savvy renters can learn to recognize. These fraudsters often claim to be out of town or unavailable for in-person meetings, creating excuses to avoid face-to-face interactions that might expose their scheme. They frequently pressure potential tenants to make deposits or payments immediately, creating artificial urgency to prevent victims from thoroughly investigating the property or offer. Another common tactic involves duplicating legitimate property listings but altering the contact information to direct inquiries to the scammer rather than the actual property owner.

Another warning sign can be pricing that deviates dramatically from local market rates. Scammers leverage the emotional vulnerability of renters in competitive markets, where legitimate affordable housing is scarce and prospective tenants fear missing rare opportunities. They exploit this anxiety by creating false scarcity and demanding swift action before the victim can conduct proper due diligence.

Protective Measures Against Rental Fraud

Protecting yourself from rental scams requires vigilance and a methodical approach to property hunting. It’s important to verify property ownership through public records, which can typically be accessed through county assessor or recorder websites. Research property management companies thoroughly before engaging with them, checking their business license status and online reviews. Be particularly cautious when considering properties requiring large upfront deposits, especially when combined with other warning signs like below-market pricing or high-pressure sales tactics.

Payment methods provide crucial protection against fraud. Credit cards offer the strongest consumer protections, allowing you to dispute fraudulent charges. Wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash can be risky, as they are all methods that are virtually impossible to trace or recover. When evaluating rental listings, cross-reference them across multiple platforms to ensure consistency in pricing, description, and contact information. Familiarize yourself with typical rental prices in your target neighborhood to recognize when a deal seems too good to be true.

Taking Action Against Rental Scammers

If you encounter a rental scam, it’s important to report it immediately to multiple authorities. Start with local law enforcement by filing a police report, which creates an official record of the incident. Contact your state attorney general’s office, which typically handles consumer protection matters. File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission through their website, as they track fraud patterns nationally. Additionally, report the scam to any rental platforms where the fraudulent listing appeared, helping protect other potential victims from the same scheme.

The competitive rental market, particularly in desirable areas like San Diego, has created fertile ground for scammers targeting desperate renters. By understanding the warning signs and implementing preventive measures, potential renters can protect themselves from becoming victims. Remember that legitimate landlords shouldn’t rush you through the rental process or demand untraceable payment methods. When considering any rental property, maintain a healthy skepticism and conduct thorough verification before transferring any funds or personal information.