Don't get scammed on your PCS
Relocating service members are prime targets for rental fraud. Learn the red flags, verify any landlord, and never lose a deposit.
Red flags of a rental scam
Price too good to be true
Rent far below comparable homes is bait. Scammers undercut the market to rush you.
Pressure to pay fast
“Another family is interested” or “wire a deposit to hold it” before you’ve toured anything.
Can’t show the property
The owner is conveniently deployed or out of state and can’t meet or do a live video tour.
Wire / gift card / crypto only
Untraceable payment demands are the single biggest red flag in rental fraud.
Copied or stolen listing
Photos and text lifted from a real for-sale or rental ad elsewhere. Reverse-search the images.
No lease, no questions
A legitimate landlord screens tenants and provides a written lease. Scammers skip both.
How to verify a landlord
- ✓Ask for proof of ownership and a matching photo ID
- ✓Confirm the owner name against county tax records
- ✓Insist on an in-person or live video tour of the unit
- ✓Be wary of anyone “deployed” who can’t show the home
- ✓Prefer a Verified badge — we’ve already checked
Safe payment practices
- ×Never wire money, send gift cards, or pay in crypto
- ×Don't pay a deposit before touring and signing a lease
- ✓Use traceable methods — check or in-app payment
- ✓Get a signed, written lease before any money changes hands
- ✓Keep a record of every payment and message
Military PCS housing tips
Moving on orders adds pressure. A little planning protects your family and your money.
Start early, before report date
Begin your search as soon as you have orders so you’re never forced into a rushed decision.
Know your BAH and budget
Set a rent ceiling around your housing allowance and ignore anything that seems suspiciously cheap.
Use a local, verified source
Listings verified in-market beat random national results when you can’t tour in person yet.
Get everything in writing
Confirm move-in dates, fees, and pet terms in the lease — not just in chat messages.
The simplest way to stay safe
Start with listings we've already verified. Every badge means we checked the owner and the property so you don't have to.
Browse verified rentals