Do Not Sign a Lease for an Apartment You Have Not Seen in Person

The photos look perfect, the price is right, and the landlord says there are other people interested. The pressure to act fast is real — and scammers know it. No matter how good the deal seems, never sign a lease or send money for an apartment you have not physically visited and inspected. Photos are curated, listings omit problems, and entire rental scams are built on apartments that either do not exist or do not belong to the person listing them.

Visit in person. Check water pressure, test all light switches, look for mold, open every cabinet and closet. Verify the landlord's identity against the property ownership records. If you are relocating and cannot visit, have a trusted person inspect it for you — or at minimum, do a live video call walkthrough. Never wire money sight unseen.