Scammers use copied rental listings on TikTok to defraud renters

Scammers are stealing rental property listings and reposting them on TikTok and other social media platforms at very low prices. They copy photos, videos, and descriptions from real estate websites, then post fake listings on TikTok, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. Renters who are interested send application fees, deposits, and rent payments directly to the scammers. Cases have been reported in South Jersey and Orange County, California. TikTok says it removed 99 percent of fraud-related videos in the first quarter before users reported them. However, scammers can create new accounts quickly after old ones are deleted. Police and real estate professionals have warned the public about this growing problem, which has already cost many renters hundreds of dollars.