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Find It · Section 2 · Article

Green flags vs. eyebrow-raisers in rental listings.

AKA how to avoid getting catfished by an apartment. Here's how to tell a real listing from a fake one — before you waste a tour, or worse, a deposit.

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💚 Green flags

Signs you're onto a real one.

  • ✅ Verified listings
    On Apartments.com, Zillow, etc., look for that “Verified” badge. It means the platform has confirmed details with the property manager or owner.
  • ✅ Realistic photos
    Listings that show the space as-is, including slightly imperfect details, are a good sign. Overly perfect = overly staged.
  • ✅ Specific details
    Square footage, natural light, pet policy, lease terms, utilities, and move-in dates. Answering questions before you ask is a major green flag.
  • ✅ Contact info matches the property
    If the phone number or email matches a management company you can Google, that's a good sign you're dealing with professionals.
  • ✅ Tour options
    Virtual or in-person tour options offered without pressure = someone confident in the space.
🚩 Raising eyebrows

Signs a catfish is on the line.

  • ❌ Too few photos or all stock images
    Only 1–2 photos, or generic staged images. If you can't see the bathroom or kitchen, that's usually not an accident.
  • ❌ Vague descriptions
    “Cozy space, great vibes” tells you nothing. No info on square footage, lease length, or floor probably means no transparency later either.
  • ❌ Suspiciously low price
    Way under market with no clear reason (basement, sublet, etc.). Ask yourself: is this too good to be true?
  • ❌ Can't tour before paying
    If someone asks you to send a deposit before you've seen the place or spoken to a real human — that's a scam. Period.
  • ❌ Weird contact behavior
    Poor grammar, late-night messages, or evasive answers to basic questions. Trust your gut.
Pro tip — screenshot everything
Listings vanish, especially the scammy ones. Keep records of listings you inquire about and conversations you've had — just in case you need to report something shady.

Your plays

  • If it looks too good, reads too vague, or makes you feel rushed — that's not your apartment soulmate.
  • If it shows up looking nothing like the photos — congratulations, you've been catfished. Time to swipe on.
  • Never send money before seeing the unit and speaking with a verifiable human.
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Ask the right questions upfront — clear inquiries scare off catfish.

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Save your recon to a rental home in the Tracker.

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