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.
Am I wrong here?
Texas AG said rental scams are up 300% since 2023. The hot housing market makes people desperate and less careful.