$275 million lost: Thousands of Americans targeted in real estate frauds

Fake rental listings often copy genuine property photos, descriptions and video tours before scammers pose as landlords and demand deposits or application fees (Representative image)Real estate fraud complaints in the US rose sharply in 2025, with the FBI receiving 12,368 complaints and reported losses crossing $275 million, up from 9,359 complaints and about $174 million in losses a year earlier. The category covers various forms of property fraud, including fake rental listings.Fake rental listings have become a growing concern as scammers copy genuine property advertisements, photos and video tours before posing as landlords and asking prospective tenants for deposits or application fees.In one recent case, a Southern California renter found a two-bedroom bungalow advertised at an attra