Fraudulent TikTok Rental Listings Reported in East Bay Neighborhoods

EBRHA is alerting rental housing providers across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties about a developing scam that is impacting East Bay neighborhoods and creating risks for both property owners and prospective renters.

According to a recent report by ABC7 News, fraudulent rental listings have been appearing on TikTok using legitimate residential addresses without the knowledge or authorization of the property owner.

In one reported East Bay case, a San Leandro homeowner discovered their property had been advertised online as an affordable rental despite never offering the home for lease. After neighbors noticed unfamiliar individuals visiting the property, the owner investigated and found the unauthorized listing circulating on social media. Local authorities have opened an investigation and indicated the activity may originate outside the United States.

EBRHA CEO Derek Barnes shared an important reminder during the ABC7 report:

“Never ever send money to anyone unless you can verify the address, you can verify the owner or the property manager. You have an appointment to actually see the apartment.”

You can read the entire story here: ABC7 News Coverage

Why This Matters

These scams are designed to do more than collect deposits.

Fraudulent rental advertisements often target prospective renters by requesting application fees, deposits, Social Security numbers, banking information, and other sensitive personal data before victims realize the listing is fake. In addition to financial loss and identity theft concerns, these scams can create confusion for owners and generate unwanted traffic to occupied properties.

As online rental activity increasingly expands to social platforms, rental housing providers should consider routine monitoring as part of standard risk management practices.

Recommended Actions for Rental Housing Providers

To help protect your properties and the broader rental housing community, EBRHA recommends:

• Periodically search your property addresses across major listing and social media platforms
• Monitor for unauthorized advertisements using your property photos or addresses
• Report suspicious or fraudulent listings immediately to both the platform and local law enforcement
• Notify property management teams and onsite staff to remain alert
• Encourage prospective renters to verify ownership and schedule an in-person or verified virtual tour before submitting applications or deposits
• Document screenshots, links, dates, usernames, and communications before reporting fraudulent activity

Early detection remains one of the most effective tools to limit exposure and reduce harm.

EBRHA will continue monitoring this issue and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for helping protect East Bay rental housing communities.