08/19/2026
⚠️ PLEASE READ — This happened today, and it broke my heart. ⚠️
Today, while conducting a home inspection with my buyer on a property they are already under contract to purchase, there was a knock at the door.
A couple was standing outside and told us they were there for a 6:30 PM walkthrough of the home they thought they were renting.
Immediately, I knew something was wrong.
They had found the home listed for rent on Facebook Marketplace. They paid a $75 application fee, were told they were approved, and then sent $1,000 to “hold” the home.
The scammer then told them they needed to put down a security deposit. They sent another $500, but before sending any more money, they told the person they needed to see the home in person first.
The scammer agreed and told them to meet at the property at 6:30 PM for a walkthrough.
Except there was never going to be a walkthrough.
The home was never for rent.
This poor couple had already given the scammer $1,500, plus the $75 application fee, and believed they were moving into their new home on September 1st.
And I had the heartbreaking job of telling them that they had been scammed. 💔
My heart absolutely broke for them.
This is exactly why I cannot stress enough how important it is to work with a licensed real estate professional — whether you’re buying, selling OR renting.
🚨 PLEASE protect yourself:
• Never send application fees, deposits, “hold” money or security deposits without verifying who you’re dealing with and that they actually have the authority to rent the property.
• Don’t assume a listing is legitimate simply because it’s on Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, Realtor.com or another website.
• Be extremely careful about giving out personal or financial information online.
• If someone is asking you to send money before you’ve even seen the property, STOP and verify everything first.
Scammers can steal photos and information from legitimate real estate listings and create very convincing fake rental ads.
Please share this. If this story prevents even one person from losing their hard-earned money, it’s worth it.
And if you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent, please work with a trusted real estate professional. Having someone in your corner who can verify the property and the people involved can make all the difference. 🏡❤️
Tiffany Wigsmoen
Keller Williams Infinty