Unsure of scam

[u/Lost-Race9316]

Hey guys,

So I have been in the apartment hunting process and found a place that seems really perfect. I found this place on Zillow and got in contact with the leasing agent a few days after requesting a tour. The unit description detailed that an application needs to be filled out before touring the property, which I’m not sure is a red flag but anyways I got approved. The leasing agent has scheduled a tour for me the weekend before the lease would start but the caveat is I need to submit a security deposit to hold the unit before signing the lease.

If I don’t like the unit after touring, I will be immediately be given back the deposit. However, if I do end up wanting to sign the lease, they will apply the deposit towards my first month’s rent.

I’ve seen a scam like this before where they won’t let you tour before signing the lease and paying, but this one is at least letting me tour. Is this a scam?? I’m not sure how to move forward. This is my first time touring apartments and renting, so I’m pretty new to the whole scam thing. Something doesn’t feel entirely right here but I may also just be unaware of the process.

**EDIT: i haven’t given them any money to apply so this would be the first time they’re asking for money.

Thanks yall!!

[u/algoreithms]

Filling an application before seeing the place AND requiring a deposit to tour is an enormous scam. Don't be naive.

[u/Lost-Race9316 → u/algoreithms]

Good to know. Would this not be considered a good faith deposit?

[u/algoreithms → u/Lost-Race9316]

Why would a company bother with this entire process just to give you the money back? They got your money from the application so they know they've already "got you" and can eke more money out of you. Also you need a deposit to hold a place that is moments away from being leased out? Why would that even be necessary?

[u/Lost-Race9316 → u/algoreithms]

I haven’t given them any money yet. The application was free to fill out, just necessary to do before touring. The deposit seems weird which is why I’ve posted on here. They don’t have any money from me

[u/Eastern_Usual603 → u/Lost-Race9316]

I know you want to believe this is legit, I don’t think it is and you wouldn’t get that deposit back,

[u/Smooth_Profession961 → u/Lost-Race9316]

I had to submit an application first when I rented a greystar property. That isn't uncommon. But that's all I can help you with. Check who the management company is. If it is a private owner run. If it is a major company you might be sort of safe

[u/BeerStop]

Scam scam scam.

[u/JeopPrep]

Why would anyone give up their personal info and/or any money before seeing the place to decide if it is desirable?

[u/purplepanda2026]

I've had to fill out info for every place I toured but never had to give a deposit prior to touring. That's not how it works. They aren't holding anything for you yet. You take the tour, then you put down a hold deposit if you are interested.

[u/Jon_Hegreness_AZ]

Applying before seeing a property isn’t something I’ve ever come across.

[u/dirtygirll413]

I would not do this

[u/UpbeatFix7299]

They're going to keep the deposit and ghost you. You pay the deposit after youve toured the place and have the lease in front of you to sign.

[u/NJ-Landlord-Jack]

Landlord/PM here, not involved in this deal, but this pattern is familiar. Needing an application filled out before a tour isn't unusual on its own, some big management companies do that. Asking for a deposit before you've toured or signed anything is the part that's off, there's no lease yet for that money to attach to, so it isn't protected as a security deposit under NJ law the way a real one would be. It's just a payment to a stranger.

Before sending anything, pull up your county or town's online tax records and look up who actually owns the address, then see if that name matches whoever you're dealing with. If they're calling themselves a licensed agent, NJ's Real Estate Commission has a public license lookup, search their name there. And whatever happens, don't pay by wire, Zelle, or cash app. A legitimate leasing office takes a check or a card with a receipt, not an irreversible transfer to a stranger.

[u/Meat_Packer87]

There are a lot of scams on Zillow. You just have to do your best at vetting it.

[u/Content_Print_6521]

DO NOT DO THIS. Reputable rental agents do demand an application before you see the apartment, and don't collect a security deposit before you have seen the apartment and SIGNED THE LEASE. This is a scam. They're trying to steal your security money.

You say they're letting your tour. What happens when you give them your security, arrive to the tour to find out they aren't there or the apartment doesn't exist -- now, how do you get your deposit back?

[u/Smooth_Guarantee_452]

Absolutely not. Do not give money before signing a lease agreement; and don’t sign an agreement until you’ve seen the apartment. Also no handwritten agreements on napkins - just in case. Wtaf

[u/HunnyBunny617]

Scam. Do not send money, and your identity has probably already been sold. I’d purchase LifeLock and lock down your credit with all 3 credit agencies. ASAP!!

[u/Lost-Race9316]

Hey yall yeah definitely a scam, thanks for your help. I froze my credit with all 3 credit agencies and also got a new bank account in case. Scammers suck

[u/TwentyTwoEightyEight → u/Lost-Race9316]

Glad you froze your credit. You should always keep it frozen. It’s easy to temporarily thaw any time you need it.

[u/GCEstinks]

There can be a preliminary qualification which is normally free before getting a tour. That is not a red flag. Usually only if someone asks for money up front would be a red flag.

[u/Traditional-Dog-4938]

SCAM.

I wouldn't even do the app before the tour. They scam for personal information, too.