Rhode Islanders Lost $51,969 To Real Estate Rental Scammers In 2025: FBI

Real estate rental scammers took Rhode Islanders for more than $50,000 in 2025, the FBI reported.

The 40 victimized Rhode Island residents lost a total $51,969, according to the FBI.

Nationally, the swindlers raked in more than $275 million, the FBI Boston Division said in a media release.

“As folks look to book last-minute summer getaways and students search for off-campus housing, we’re asking everyone to exercise caution when renting property,” Ted E. Docks, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, said in the release.

“Fraudsters are fervently looking to cash in on renters who are desperate for a good deal by pressuring them to act fast," Docks said.

"As a result, hundreds of victims in our area, who have worked very hard for their money, lost millions of dollars last year," he said. "Please heed this warning and make sure you’re renting a property that is actually available and dealing with someone trustworthy.”

The grifters have been known to target property owners advertising rentals by paying with a counterfeit check and requesting a refund before it has cleared, according to the release.

"Another type of scam involves real estate advertised online," the release said.

"The scammer duplicates postings from legitimate real estate websites and reposts these ads after altering them," according to the release. "Often, the scammers use the broker's real name to create a fake email, which gives the fraud more legitimacy. When the victim sends an email through the classified advertisement website inquiring about the home, they receive a response from someone claiming to be the owner. The 'owner' claims they’re unable to show the property without payment because they are either out of town or out of the country. If the victim is interested in renting the home, they are asked either to wire money, or in some cases make a digital payment. Shortly thereafter the property is no longer available."

The amount of money lost to real estate rental swindlers may only be the tip of the iceberg, the FBI cautioned.

"The actual losses are most likely much higher because many people are hesitant to report they were scammed," the release said.

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