Fake property and rental listings

How the scam works

Scammers create fake rental listings for properties that don't belong to them (or don't exist). These are designed to trick you into handing over money or personal details.

Here’s what to look out for:

• The price is unusually good. The rent is significantly lower than similar properties in the area.
• They demand contact outside of Trade Me. The listing asks you not to use Trade Me's enquiry buttons. Instead, it tells you to email an address written on the listing photos.
• The "new agency" excuse. The "landlord" will reply to your email saying they're moving the property to a new real estate agency.
• Requests for forms and fees. Because of this "agency change," they'll ask you to urgently complete application forms and pay a fee to secure the property – before you've even seen it.
   

This is a scam. There is no property to rent. They are attempting to steal your money and harvest your personal information.

Example image from a fake property listing scam

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If you spot a suspicious listings

If you see a listing with an email address in the photos or a price that seems suspiciously low, don't contact them. 

Report the listing to our Trust & Safety team

1. Scroll down to the section underneath the seller's details.
2. Select Report this listing. 
3. Complete the form to tell us more about what feels off. 
4. Select Submit. 
    

We will investigate and remove the listing if it's fraudulent.

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What to do if you've been scammed

If you have already emailed the person, handed over personal information, or paid money:

1. Stop all contact with the scammer immediately.
2. Contact your bank straight away if you have transferred any money or provided your credit card details. Let them know you've been the victim of a scam.
3. Contact us our Support team so we can help protect your Trade Me account and investigate the user.

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