How to Detect Scammers on Facebook (Before They Steal Your Deposit)

🚩 Red Flags: What Scammers Always Do

1. Brand New or Suspicious Profiles

Scammers often create fake accounts with:

• No mutual friends
• No profile pictures (or model-tier stock photos)
• Little to no activity in the groups they’re messaging in

Pro tip: Click through their profile. If they joined Facebook yesterday and only posted once about a “fully furnished 2BR in SoHo for $700/month” — keep scrolling.

2. They Say “Yes” Too Quickly

If you’re listing your space and someone says they’ll take it immediately without asking anything about:

• The price
• The dates
• The neighborhood…it’s giving 🚩 scammer energy.

Real renters ask questions. Scammers try to close the deal fast before you notice the red flags.

3. Weird Payment Methods

If someone asks you to send or receive money through:

• Western Union
• Gift cards
• Crypto
• Some sketchy third-party “agent”

Just… don’t.

Stick to legit platforms (Venmo, Zelle, direct bank transfer) and only after a contract is signed.

4. They Avoid Video Calls

Scammers hate FaceTime. If someone refuses to hop on a quick video call to “see the place” or “meet the host,” it’s probably because:

• The apartment doesn’t exist
• They don’t exist (at least not as who they claim to be)

5. They Overshare or Undershare

Oversharing: The listing comes with a sob story about their dog, grandma, and how they “just want a good soul to care for the space.”
Undersharing: They can’t provide more photos, a contract, or basic details.

Either way — red flag.

How to Stay Safe When Subletting Through Facebook

Let’s turn on our main character energy and take control of the sublet process:

• Ask questions and pay attention to vague or evasive answers
• Video chat with the other person before making any decisions
• Vet profiles: Friends, history, group activity = trust points
• Use written agreements, even for short stays
• Don’t send money until everything is clear and confirmed
• Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is

Or... Just Use Swappin 😉

Tired of playing scam detective in Facebook groups? Same. That’s why we built Swappin.

Swappin is a verified community where you can post or find real, trustworthy sublets. We handle the contracts, verify users, and help you match with like-minded people — so you can skip the stress and enjoy the stay.

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📍Currently live in NYC, SF, and Miami — and growing fast