Thank you for your interest. I am a missionary currently out of the country, so I cannot show the apartment. To reserve it, send the first month and a security deposit by transfer today and the keys will be mailed to you. Other people are interested.
How it works
- A listing for a lovely home at a below-market rent, using photos copied from a real listing or a holiday-rental site.
- The “landlord” is away: abroad, working, on a mission. They can’t show it, but the keys can be posted.
- To secure it, you must send a deposit, usually by an irreversible method, quickly because “others are interested”.
- The keys never arrive. The real owner has never heard of you.
The tells
- The rent is much lower than similar homes nearby.
- The landlord can’t meet you, show the place or provide a live video of it.
- Payment demanded before you’ve seen the property, by wire, Zelle, crypto or gift cards.
- A story that explains why nothing can be done in person.
- The same photos appear on other listings (try a reverse image search).
What to do
- Never pay a deposit before seeing the property in person, or a live video of the actual place, and meeting someone who can show they’re entitled to rent it.
- Check the property’s ownership or management through public records where you live, and call the agency’s office using a number you find yourself.
- Pay by a traceable method that offers some protection, and get a written agreement first.
- If you’ve already paid: contact your bank at once, then report the listing to the site and to your national fraud agency.
Where to report it
Anywhere in the world
- Your bank or card provider. First, if money or card details are involved. Use the number on your card.
- The platform where it happened. Use its “Report” button: the marketplace, the messaging app, the social network.
- Your local police. If you’ve lost money, and for a reference number your bank may ask for.
- Your national fraud or consumer-protection agency. Search for it by country; use a government address (.gov or the equivalent).
United States
- Report to the FTC — The Federal Trade Commission’s fraud reporting site.
- Report internet-enabled crime to the FBI (IC3) — File even if you’re unsure it qualifies. IC3 will never contact you to ask for money.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) — Free with most carriers.
Links last checked 2026-10-12.
United Kingdom
- Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk — Handled by the National Cyber Security Centre.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 — Free. Your mobile provider receives the report.
- Report Fraud (England and Wales) — If you’ve lost money or been hacked. Phone 0300 123 2040.
Links last checked 2026-10-12.
Canada
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — Use its “Report fraud” page.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 — Free with most carriers.
Links last checked 2026-10-12.
Australia
- Scamwatch — Run by the national consumer regulator.
Links last checked 2026-10-12.