Rising housing costs and tight rental markets in California have contributed to an increase in rental property scams, with fraudsters exploiting online platforms and social media to target prospective tenants. Authorities and real estate professionals across Orange County say these scams are becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated, complicating efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

Pam Yeager, a Fullerton resident, recently fell victim to such a scam. After seeing a listing for a two-bedroom bungalow near downtown Fullerton that appeared affordable and conveniently located, she engaged with the supposed landlord online. The listing had been posted briefly on Zillow before being pulled, but Yeager was contacted afterward through text, encouraged to apply for the rental, and to pay an application fee as well as a security deposit totaling $2,575 via Zelle. The “landlord” provided fabricated reassurances, including a falsified video tour of the property that was actually downloaded from a professional real estate showing. When Yeager attempted to request a refund, communication ceased. The true homeowner confirmed the house was not available for rent and had no plans to vacate the residence for several months.

Local law enforcement officials highlight the challenges in addressing these crimes. Scammers often use burner social media accounts, obscure payment platforms, and frequently operate from overseas, making tracking and prosecution difficult. Sgt. Frank Garza of the Placentia Police Department noted the rise in rental scams targeting residents through platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Zillow, describing perpetrators as adept at evading detection. Similarly, Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department emphasized that fraudulent listings often lure victims with unusually attractive deals to pressure quick action.

Real estate agents involved in incident responses underscore the risks of transferring money without verifying legitimacy. Laura Spencer, a local agent involved in investigating the Fullerton case, stressed the importance of meeting landlords and agents in person and warned against sending funds before property tours or formal agreements. She and others say increased awareness and caution remain the most effective defenses amid growing scam tactics, including the use of artificial intelligence to produce convincing but fake content.

The FBI has reported a notable surge in real estate fraud complaints nationwide, with more than 12,000 cases filed last year—a three-year high. The agency’s Internet Crime Complaint Center highlighted AI’s role in enabling increasingly sophisticated schemes against individuals and businesses, including in the housing sector.

Residents in multiple California regions have experienced similar issues recently. In the Bay Area, homeowners have reported their properties listed fraudulently for rent, leading to unwanted visitor inquiries. In San Diego, families have found scammers reposting their rental photos and attempting to collect deposits through fake rental tours.

Authorities continue to encourage caution and vigilance among renters. They advise confirming listings directly with owners or licensed agents, avoiding advance payments before in-person verification, and reporting suspicious ads to law enforcement and platform providers. Despite investigative efforts, officials acknowledge that many victims do not report scams due to embarrassment or skepticism about recovering lost funds.

Meanwhile, victims like Yeager cope with financial loss and heightened anxiety amid ongoing housing pressures, hoping their experiences will help others avoid similar pitfalls.