A sophisticated rental scam is targeting DFW renters. Scammers are listing REAL houses for rent that they don't own, collecting deposits and first month's rent, then vanishing.
How it works:
- They find houses that are legitimately for sale on Zillow/Redfin
- They create a rental listing for the same property at a believable price
- They show the property using a lockbox code or open house times
- They collect a deposit + first month via wire transfer or cashier's check
- Multiple victims show up on "move-in day" to find the real owner or another renter
Known affected areas: Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Prosper — basically anywhere with new construction.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify the owner via the county appraisal district (TAD for Dallas, DCAD search)
- Never wire money for a rental deposit
- If you can't meet the actual property owner, walk away
- Google the address — if it's listed for SALE on one site and for RENT on another, that's a red flag
- Ask for a copy of their driver's license and cross-reference with county records
Source: Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, Collin County Sheriff's Office
I've seen at least 5 people on DFW rental groups get hit by this in the last month.
ALWAYS check the Collin County or Dallas County Appraisal District to verify who actually owns the property. Its free and takes 2 minutes.