The price looks too good
Compare the rent with similar homes nearby. A rent far below the market is the most common sign of a scam.
In short
Fake rentals are common in the Treasure Valley: scammers copy real listings, price them low and ask for a deposit by Zelle, Venmo, wire or gift card. Never pay until you have seen the inside of the home and checked on the county assessor's site that the person you are dealing with owns it or works for the owner. Report scams to the Idaho Attorney General at (208) 334-2424.
- Biggest red flag
- Rent far below market and the 'owner' cannot show you the home
- Check the owner
- Ada or Canyon County assessor parcel search (free)
- Report in Idaho
- Attorney General Consumer Protection, (208) 334-2424 or 1-800-432-3545
- Report nationally
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
How do I spot a fake rental listing?
They cannot show you the home
Watch for excuses like being out of the country or 'just look through the windows.' A real landlord or manager will let you tour the inside, or do a live video call while standing in the home.
They want money fast, in an odd way
Pressure to pay today, and requests for wire transfers, gift cards, crypto or payment apps like Zelle and Venmo, are big warning signs. Money sent these ways is very hard to get back.
They ask for personal data early
Be careful if someone wants your , a photo of your license, paystubs or a credit score screenshot before you have agreed to rent.
The listing shows up elsewhere
Do a reverse image search on the photos and search the address. If the same home is listed for sale, or under another name or phone number, it is likely a copy.
How do I check who owns a home?
- 1
Look up the address
Use the free assessor search for the county the home is in. In Ada County, search by address or parcel; the site does not let you search by owner name. Canyon County has a parcel search and an interactive GIS map.
- 2
Compare the owner name
The owner should match the landlord's name, or the landlord should be a property manager who can show you a management agreement or works for a company with a real office and website.
- 3
Contact the owner or company yourself
Find the company's phone number on its own website, not from the ad or the person who contacted you, and ask whether the listing is real.
- 4
Pay only after you sign
Tour the home, sign a written lease, then pay by a traceable method such as a check or the manager's official portal. Get a receipt for every payment.
What other scams target new residents?
A call says your power will be shut off today
That is a scam. Idaho Power says it never demands payment over the phone, never takes prepaid cards like Visa or Green Dot, and never asks for Bitcoin or QR code payments. Scammers can spoof Idaho Power's number. Hang up and call (208) 388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151, or check your account in the app.
Someone at the door says they are from the utility
Real Idaho Power workers have marked vehicles, logo clothing or a company ID badge. Do not pay or share account details at the door.
A mover gave a low quote, then wants more money
For interstate moves, the mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Look up its USDOT number before you book, get a written estimate signed by the mover, and never sign blank papers. Be wary of companies that leave the USDOT number off their ads.
How do I check a moving company?
Search FMCSA's mover database or call FMCSA at (800) 832-5660 to confirm the USDOT number, household goods authority, insurance and complaint history.
What if I already paid a scammer?
Call your bank or the payment app right away and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Then file a police report and report it to the Attorney General and the FTC. Keep screenshots of the ad and all messages.
Where do I report a scam?
| Who | What they handle | How to reach them |
|---|---|---|
| Your local police | Any scam where you lost money; you may need a police report for your bank | Non-emergency lines are on the contacts guide |
| Idaho Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division | Consumer fraud in Idaho, including rental scams | (208) 334-2424, toll-free 1-800-432-3545, or the online complaint form |
| Federal Trade Commission | National fraud reports used by law enforcement | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| FMCSA | Interstate moving fraud and complaints about movers | complaint.fmcsa.dot.gov or (800) 832-5660 |
| The listing website | Removing the fake ad so others are not fooled | Use the site's report button |
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Sources (7) · Checked Oct 23, 2026
- Idaho Attorney General: AG and Boise Police warn renters of Treasure Valley rental scam
- Idaho Attorney General: Consumer protection
- FTC: Rental listing scams
- Idaho Power: Beware of scams targeting Idaho Power customers (Aug 2026)
- FMCSA: Protect your move, tips for success
- Ada County Assessor
- Canyon County Assessor: Parcel information
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