Woman says rental scammer let her tour property

June 26, 2026 - 21:20

A Tennessee woman is speaking out after losing more than $1,400 to a rental scam that felt disturbingly real. The scammer allowed her to tour the property in person before asking for a deposit and first month's rent.

The victim, who asked not to be named, found the listing on a popular rental website. The price seemed fair, the photos looked legitimate, and the landlord appeared professional. When she arrived for the showing, a man met her at the unit, unlocked the door, and walked her through the rooms. Nothing seemed off.

After the tour, she paid a security deposit and rent via a payment app. The man gave her a signed lease and a set of keys. But when she showed up on move-in day, her keys did not work. She called the number she had for the landlord, but it was disconnected.

She later learned the real property manager had no record of her lease. The scammer had apparently broken into the vacant unit or gained access through a lockbox used by legitimate agents. Police say rental scams are on the rise, with con artists using real listings and even arranging tours to build trust.

The woman is now warning others to verify ownership through county records before handing over any money. She said the hardest part is knowing she stood inside the apartment and still got tricked.