Search for unique phrases in the listing description. Scammers often copy and paste the entire list, so finding the same text elsewhere is a clear warning sign. If you find a duplicate listing, contact the property management company listed on the original website. They can verify if they have a Craigslist posting.
Pay attention to image quality and watermarks. Photos of legitimate homes often have professional watermarks, while fraudsters often use screenshots or edited versions to hide the original source. Recently, AI has been used extensively in rental listings. You can target AI images because they look “too good to be true.” The light is perfect, everything in the picture is untouched, and it looks like a list from a fairy tale.
To help you quickly spot potential scams, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Professional photos but useless listing text
- The price is lower than similar properties
- Multiple listings with similar descriptions
- Extreme formatting or ALL CAPS text
- Watermarks are slightly cropped or blurred
- Stock photos of home interiors
When in doubt, try reaching out to local real estate agents – they often know if their legitimate listings are being copied by scammers and can help verify the authenticity of the property.