Recent statistics demonstrate how fraudulent real estate listings are spreading across social media and the importance of protecting brokers, property owners, and consumers.

Fraudulent real estate listings continue to be a concern across social media platforms, particularly TikTok. Recent statistics shared by Property Shield, a fraud prevention service available to Southwest MLS (SWMLS) Subscribers, demonstrate the scale of these scams and their potential impact on the real estate industry.

By the Numbers: Fraudulent Listings on TikTok

Property Shield's analysis of TikTok accounts posting fraudulent property listings highlights the extent of the problem:

• 727 fraudulent listings were posted by a single account, which was subsequently removed after Property Shield reported it.
• 52 listings per account were identified on average among accounts posting fraudulent listings.
• 40% of accounts had 50 or more posts.
• 20% of accounts had 100 or more posts.

These statistics illustrate how extensively fraudulent property advertisements can circulate online, potentially exposing unsuspecting renters to scams.

Fraudulent Listings Are Reaching Consumers

The statistics also demonstrate how much attention these listings can attract.

A typical fraudulent TikTok listing received approximately 450 views and 10 likes. Listings remaining active for 90 days or longer averaged 1,100 views and 26 likes.

Each additional view increases the potential for consumers to encounter misleading property information, putting renters, property owners, and brokers at risk.

How Property Shield Protects SWMLS Subscribers

Since March 2026, SWMLS has offered Property Shield as a Subscriber benefit to help combat fraudulent property advertisements and protect listing information.

Property Shield monitors online platforms for unauthorized use of real estate listings, identifies potential scams, notifies listing brokers, and works with platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and Craigslist to remove confirmed fraudulent advertisements.

Protecting Listings and Consumer Trust

As fraudulent property advertisements continue to circulate online, SWMLS encourages Subscribers to remain vigilant, educate clients about potential rental scams, and take advantage of the protection available through Property Shield.

Learn more about Property Shield and how this SWMLS Subscriber benefit helps protect your listings at PropertyShield.co.