JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rental scams have long been a problem on websites such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Now, scammers may be finding a new audience on TikTok.
A new study examining rental listings on the social media platform found 68% carried warning signs of a potential scam, including listings advertising properties for significantly less than market value, homes that were actually for sale and phone numbers linked to unrelated rental listings in different cities.
“For us, it was also concerning because we know that TikTok is targeting the younger demographic,” said Matthew Stern, lead investigator with CNC Intelligence, the cybersecurity firm behind the study. “They might be more likely to be a first-time renter or, you know, in college.”
The Federal Trade Commission says Americans have reported losing $65 million to rental scams since 2020. People ages 18 to 29 are three times more likely than other adults to report losing money to a rental scam, according to the FTC.
Jacksonville rental listings raise red flags
News4JAX searched TikTok for Jacksonville homes for rent and found several listings with warning signs.
One TikTok video advertised a San Marco property at $990 a month.
One TikTok video advertised a San Marco property at $990 a month. (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
The same property was listed on Zillow for $1,890 a month.
The same property was listed on Zillow for $1,890 a month. (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
In another example, a TikTok account advertised a Jacksonville property as available for rent while Zillow showed the home was actually listed for sale.
The TikTok account was asking prospective renters for a $1,000 deposit.
Those discrepancies can be a major warning sign, especially when someone is asked to send money before seeing a property.
Stern recommends renters independently research any property they are considering.
“I recommend you should definitely Google the address,” Stern said. “If you can get the full address, try to Google it, see if it’s listed there anywhere else from other agencies, and then try to confirm with them.”
The study also involved researchers contacting accounts advertising rental properties on TikTok.
Stern said some accounts asked for fees before allowing potential renters to see a property.
“I remember they were asking for like a $60 fee just to see it, even before anything happens,” Stern said.
He also said some accounts used pressure tactics to push people into paying quickly.
Those are common warning signs of a rental scam, according to investigators.
How to spot a rental scam
Experts recommend taking several steps before sending money for a rental found online.
Be skeptical of unusually low rent. A price significantly below comparable properties in the same area can be a warning sign.
Search the property yourself. Look up the address or building name and see whether the property appears on other websites. If another agent or property management company is listed, contact that company using a phone number from its official website.
Check the person posting the listing. Look at the age and history of the account. An account with little history that suddenly posts numerous properties can be a red flag. If someone claims to be a real estate agent, verify their license through the state’s real estate license database.
See the property before paying. Whenever possible, visit the property in person or have someone you trust do it for you. If that’s not possible, ask for a live video tour. Be cautious of prerecorded walkthroughs, which can be copied from legitimate listings.
The biggest warning sign may be a request for money before you’ve had a chance to verify the property and the person offering it.
Never send a deposit, application fee or other payment simply because someone says you’ll lose the property if you don’t pay immediately.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.