A rental scam circulating in Albuquerque is prompting local REALTORS® and law enforcement to warn residents to take a closer look before sending money or personal information in response to an online rental listing.

TikTok has become a major platform for these fraudulent rental listings. According to Property Shield, TikTok accounted for nearly 60% of the fraudulent rental listings it detected from June through August 2026, more than double the number detected on Facebook and Craigslist combined.

2026 GAAR President Chris Venegas has been speaking with local media about the scam and the warning signs Albuquerque residents should know.

• KRQE - APD and local realtors warn public about scam going around involving homes for rent

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is also helping spread the message and asking community members to report suspected scams.

How the Scam Works

Scammers can copy photos, property descriptions, addresses, and other information from legitimate real estate listings, then advertise the property as a rental using their own contact information.

On TikTok, these fraudulent posts can be particularly difficult to identify and track. Unlike traditional rental websites, users may encounter a fake rental through TikTok's algorithmic feed rather than through a searchable inventory of local properties.

The goal is often to convince a prospective renter to send an application fee, deposit, first month's rent, or personal information before realizing the person advertising the property has no connection to it.

Red Flags Albuquerque Renters Should Watch For

Before responding to a rental listing or sending money, take a closer look if:

• The rental price seems unusually low for the property or neighborhood.
• The person advertising the property pressures you to act or pay quickly.
• You are asked to send money before seeing or verifying the property.
• The supposed landlord or property representative will not meet with you.
• The same address appears elsewhere as a home for sale or with different contact information.
• You are asked for sensitive personal or financial information unusually early.
• The person requests payment through an unusual or difficult-to-reverse method.

One of the simplest steps is to search the property address online before sending money. If you find the same home listed for sale, offered at a different rental price, or represented by a different real estate professional, stop and verify the listing.

GAAR Members and SWMLS Subscribers Have an Added Layer of Protection

Southwest Multiple Listing Service has partnered with Property Shield to help protect listings, real estate professionals, and consumers from this type of fraud.

Property Shield continuously monitors online platforms and social media for suspicious copies of legitimate listings. It compares addresses, images, and listing information to identify potential fraud and alerts the listing broker when something does not match.

Importantly, that monitoring includes TikTok, along with Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and other websites where fraudulent listings may appear.

When a potential fraudulent listing is identified, Property Shield can alert the broker and assist with the takedown process. The service is provided as an SWMLS subscriber benefit at no additional cost.

If you are a GAAR member and SWMLS subscriber who receives a Property Shield alert, review it promptly. The email is not spam. It may mean Property Shield has identified a potentially fraudulent use of your listing information.

See Something Suspicious? Report It.

APD is asking the community to help spread the word and report suspected fraud. Reporting suspicious listings can help law enforcement identify patterns and potentially prevent another Albuquerque resident from becoming a victim.

If you encounter a suspicious rental listing on TikTok or another social media platform, report the post and account directly through the platform. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or have sent money to a fraudulent advertiser, report the incident to law enforcement.

For brokers, a fake listing can affect more than the property being advertised. It can create confusion for consumers and put your professional reputation at risk. SWMLS subscribers should pay attention to Property Shield alerts and respond when suspicious activity is detected.

For renters, a few extra minutes of verification can make a big difference. Before you send money, verify the property, verify the person advertising it, and be cautious when a rental opportunity found on social media seems too good to be true.