Scams to look out for

We've always been proud of our efforts to monitor and check every single ad posted, to stop fraudsters in their tracks. But sometimes things slip through the net, and it's important to be aware of them.

Here are a few of the most common scams we've spotted over the years at SpareRoom, and how to outsmart them.

Please note: scammers are constantly changing their tactics, so there may be other types of scam that aren't on this list yet. Be vigilant and trust your gut - if something doesn't feel right let us know. You can do this by the 'report this ad' link at the bottom of every SpareRoom ad, or you can contact us via message/phone.

The "No Live Ad" Scam

How it works:

You'll get a direct message from someone who recently joined the site but hasn't posted an ad yet.
They claim to have a property that matches your search exactly, or say they know a network of landlords willing to accommodate you and will quickly try to move the conversation off-site (to WhatsApp or Email).
The scammer will give various reasons why a viewing isn't possible and ask for a deposit or "application fee" based only on photos.

Tips to avoid it:

As a general rule, never engage with anyone on SpareRoom who messages you about a property that hasn't been listed yet. Treat this as an immediate red flag, as scammers often reach out specifically to move the conversation off-site and obtain your private contact details.
Try to stay on the SpareRoom messaging system and only share personal information, such as your contact details, when you feel safe to do so.
Always view the property in person. If you can't, ask a trusted friend or family member to attend on your behalf. If possible, always ask someone to go with you.

The "Too Good to Be True" Scam

How it works:

The ad features a beautifully staged property at a price well below market rate.
The advertiser will ask for a rent or deposit payment before you've even seen the room, claiming it's needed to "secure" the property.
They quickly direct the conversation away from SpareRoom.
They'll say a viewing is "not possible," though they may suggest you drive by the property and look at it from the outside.

Tips to avoid it:

If the rent is heavily discounted or very cheap for the area, use common sense, this is a major red flag.
A simple Google image search may reveal that the property isn't even for rent, or the photos were taken of a completely different property.
Ask yourself why it isn't possible to view - if it feels suspicious, it probably is.
Try to keep messages on SpareRoom where possible, as we may be able to help investigate suspicious behaviour.
Be wary of peer-to-peer payment methods such as Cash App, Venmo, Zelle etc as they come with limited protection. NEVER pay via Western Union, MoneyGram, cryptocurrency, or gift cards (Apple, Google Play). Sending funds via PayPal as 'Friends&Family' might also be a red flag.
Use online maps to check the surroundings - this will help you confirm if the photos match the area.
To verify the advertiser ask to see the property records and/or the lease agreement. In most cases, it's possible to verify ownership information online on a county-specific website.

The "Phishing" Scam

You receive a fraudulent email, message, text (SMS), appearing to be from SpareRoom, asking you to login for "security reasons" or to "verify your account."
They might send a fraudulent link that looks similar to the official SpareRoom website but isn't quite right.
If you enter your details, the scammer gains access to your account, personal info, and potentially your money - depending on the scammer's motive.

How to avoid it:

Scammers have clever ways of getting hold of email addresses and phone numbers.
SpareRoom doesn't display phone numbers on 'Room wanted' ads. So, be extra careful who you share their contact number with.
Remain vigilant. Avoid clicking on any suspicious links or downloads, and don't reply.
SpareRoom will never contact you by text or via our messaging service to ask for your login details, so if this happens, it's very likely to be a scam.
Legitimate SpareRoom emails will only come from @spareroom.com or @spareroom.co.uk domains (always check the actual email address, not just what it says in the 'from' field). If you're unsure, contact SpareRoom directly.
If you think you've fallen victim, change your password immediately and contact your bank if you entered card or account details.

The "Short-term let" scam

How it works:

Someone will gain access to an empty property because it's currently being listed on a holiday rental or short-term let website.
They'll advertise the property for a long-term lease and conduct real in-person viewings to build trust.
In most cases, they'll take a deposit and the first month's rent up front. In some cases, they may even hand over a set of keys to make the deal feel legitimate.

Tips to avoid it:

We recommend asking to see the landlord/advertiser's ID before handing over any money. While this isn't a safety guarantee, it's a good extra step.
If possible, verify property records or ask to see the lease agreement. In most cases, it's possible to verify ownership information online on a county-specific website.
Run a check to see if the property is on other holiday rental/short-term let websites.
If you think you're ready to pay a deposit, when possible, use a bank transfer and avoid money wiring and peer-to-peer apps - at least in the beginning.

The SpareRoom Impersonator scam

The scammer will pose as an "official SpareRoom host" on another website, e.g. housing groups on Facebook, school accommodation sites etc.
They'll likely ask for money to secure a reservation to view an apartment or room. They'll claim to be responsible for handling deposits and may say they're part of the 'SpareRoom Moderation Team.'
The scammer will promise to issue you a lease agreement that proves you're the next candidate in line to secure the apartment. If you transfer a deposit to them, they'll likely disappear with your money, and you won't be able to view or secure the property.

Tips to avoid it:

If you're asked by someone that appears to be SpareRoom to pay rent or a deposit, it's very likely a scam. SpareRoom will never directly ask you for rent or a deposit.
Generally, legitimate SpareRoom emails will only come from @spareroom.com or @spareroom.co.uk domains. But if you want to double check if SpareRoom has contacted you, you can message our team directly.

The key takeaways to stay safe while looking for your next place to live:

Look for SpareRoom profiles with a green “verified user” symbol - these users have been verified using photo ID and a background check to confirm they are who they claim to be.
Stay on the SpareRoom messaging system and only share your details once you feel comfortable doing so.
Don't pay before you've seen and verified the details of the property.
Avoid peer-to-peer payment methods and never pay via Western Union, MoneyGram, cryptocurrency, or gift cards (Apple, Google Play).
Don't continue conversations with anyone who has messaged you on SpareRoom discussing a property that hasn't yet been listed.
Trust your instincts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you come across any of these warning signs, or if you'd like to report a scam, there's a 'report this ad' link at the bottom of every ad so you can report anything you think is suspicious. You can also contact us via message/phone. It may be a false alarm, but it's always better to let us check it out for you.

Disclaimer - This is for general information purposes only and shouldn't be treated as legal advice. We recommend you consult an experienced Landlord Tenant attorney if you need specific legal advice.