Rachel Di Salvo, a real estate agent based in Los Angeles, California, has issued a warning about rising rental scams in the United States. According to her, fraudsters have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive families searching for rentals. They have been taking legitimate real estate listings, altering contact information, and posing as property owners or agents to exploit unsuspecting renters. The agent's goal is to raise awareness about these deceptive practices as more individuals seek housing options.

Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights the growing problem, reporting nearly 65,000 rental fraud cases from 2020 to 2025, resulting in losses close to $65 million. This alarming statistic underscores the necessity for renters to be cautious and discerning when dealing with online listings. Di Salvo emphasizes that understanding common scam tactics can help individuals safeguard themselves against potential fraud.

As the demand for rental properties continues to rise, the likelihood of encountering such scams also increases. Di Salvo urges renters to conduct thorough background checks on listings and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Her insights serve as a crucial reminder of the risks involved in the rental market, particularly in the digital age where online scams are prevalent. By following her advice, prospective renters can better protect themselves and make informed decisions during their property search.