Before you pay
NYC Rental Scam Red Flags
Published by Nessoo.com. Last updated .
Direct answer
The biggest red flags in a NYC rental scam are a request for money before you see the apartment, payment by wire, prepaid card, money-transfer app or crypto, pressure to rent fast, and an agent whose license you cannot confirm. The NY Department of State lists eight checks to run before you pay or share personal information. (NY Department of State)
Checklist
1. Listing may not be real
NY Department of StateSearch the address. If other ads show the same address with a different owner, company or rent, treat it as a warning.
2. Photos copied from elsewhere
NY Department of StateRun a reverse image search. The same photos with a different address or contact is a red flag.
3. Same unit on other sites with different contacts
NY Department of StateLook for the rental on other sites and in other cities. Different emails or phone numbers are a red flag.
4. Agent cannot be confirmed
NY Department of StateLook up the agent's New York license on eAccessNY. How to check a broker's license
5. Agent will not meet
NY Department of StateCall the office number from an independent search. Ask to see the state photo license and meet in person or on video to compare it with the ID.
6. Asked to pay or apply before viewing
NY Department of StateDo not complete background checks, sign a lease or pay advance fees or deposits before you can inspect the apartment.
7. Untraceable payment methods
NY Department of StateBe suspicious of wire transfer, prepaid debit card, money-transfer apps and crypto. Pay by check or credit card and get receipts.
8. Fees go to a person instead of the brokerage
NY Department of StateIn New York it is unlawful for a real estate person to demand a fee directly from a prospective tenant. Fees go to the brokerage.
9. Nothing in writing
NY Department of StateAsk for everything in writing. Real estate professionals must give you copies of all instruments in the transaction.
10. Pressure to rent now
NY Department of StateHurry tactics skip the checks above. Slow down.
Next step
Answer each row to see the count.
Yes answers on this list: 0.
Why this matters
In 2023, the FBI received 9,521 real estate and rental scam complaints, with losses over $145 million. (NY Department of State, citing the FBI)
Broker fees: one more red flag
Since June 11, 2025, the FARE Act bars a landlord's agent, including a listing agent, from charging fees to prospective tenants. Landlords and their agents must also list all fees tenants must pay and give an itemized, signed disclosure before the lease is signed. (NYC DCWP) If the agent who listed the apartment asks you for a broker fee, ask who they represent. You can file a complaint with DCWP. (NYC DCWP)
Note: you can choose to hire your own broker and pay them. The law does not stop that. (NYC DCWP) Nessoo is free for renters, with no application fee on Nessoo. A landlord's own application may still charge a fee.
Did I get scammed? What to do now
- Stop contact. Do not send money or personal information.
- Save messages, screenshots, receipts and contact details.
- File a complaint with the NY Department of State Division of Consumer Protection at dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The helpline is 1-800-697-1220, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State holidays. (NY Department of State)
- For a broker fee charged to you, file a DCWP complaint with as much evidence as possible. (NYC DCWP)
Also see how to check a broker's license and when to share a Social Security number.
Where nessoo.com fits
Nessoo verifies renters' identity, income and assets.
Common questions
What are the most common signs of a rental scam in NYC?
Money requested before you see the apartment, untraceable payment methods, an agent whose license you cannot confirm, and pressure to decide fast. (NY Department of State)
Should I pay a deposit before I see the apartment?
No. The Department of State says to avoid background checks, lease signing and advance fees or deposits before you can inspect the premises. (NY Department of State)
Is it a scam if they want a wire, Zelle, gift card or crypto?
Treat it as a major red flag. The Department of State says to pay only by traceable methods such as check or credit card. (NY Department of State)
Is it a scam if the agent won't show the apartment?
It is a warning sign. Do not pay or apply for a place you cannot inspect. (NY Department of State)
Is it a scam if the application fee is more than $20?
It is a red flag. NY caps background and credit check fees at the actual cost or $20, whichever is less, and bans other application fees. (NY Real Property Law 238-a)
Are apartment application fees a scam?
Not always, but they are limited. Only the capped check fee is allowed. Fees beyond that, or paid before a viewing, are reasons to stop. (NY Real Property Law 238-a; NY Department of State)
Is a listing priced far below similar apartments a red flag?
Often. Compare the address and rent on other sites, and check the agent's license before you pay anything.
Did I get scammed and what can I do?
Stop contact, save everything and report it. Contact your bank or payment app right away. (NY Department of State)
Where do I report a rental scam?
The NY Department of State Division of Consumer Protection takes complaints at dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection or on 1-800-697-1220. (NY Department of State)
What can I do if I am treated differently while apartment hunting?
Fair housing law applies to every step. Call 311 or contact the NYC Commission on Human Rights. (NYC Commission on Human Rights)
Sources
- NY Department of State, consumer alert on rental scams (2024-04-16)Checked 2026-10-27
- NYC DCWP, FARE Act page and FAQ (last updated 2026-06-02, checked 2026-10-27)Checked 2026-10-27
- eAccessNY Public License SearchChecked 2026-10-27
- StreetEasy, recognizing and avoiding NYC rental scamsChecked 2026-10-27
- NY Real Property Law 238-aChecked 2026-10-27
- NYC Commission on Human Rights, source of income discriminationChecked 2026-10-27