Tired of Housing Scams? Here’s How to Protect Yourself (and Why Our Service Is Safer)

nycroomsforrent inc
Apr 22
3 min read

Posted by NYC Rooms for Rent | Trusted by NYC Since 1994

If you’ve searched for a room on Craigslist, Facebook, or random online listings, you’ve probably seen offers that look too good to be true. Sadly, in many cases—they are.

Scammers are all over the NYC rental scene, taking advantage of people who are desperate for fast, affordable housing. At NYC Rooms for Rent, we hear stories every week from people who got scammed out of their money, their security deposit, or even their personal information.

If you're looking for a room in New York City, read this first—and learn how to protect yourself.

👎 Common NYC Housing Scams (and How They Work)

Here are the top tricks scammers use:

1. The “Wire Me the Deposit” Scam

Someone posts a fake room listing and tells you to send a deposit before seeing the room. Once you send money… they disappear.

2. The Fake Landlord

Someone claims to be a landlord or agent—but they don’t actually own or manage the property. They might even show you the place but have no legal right to rent it to you.

🚨 Always ask who owns the room and confirm that they live there or have the right to sublet it.

3. Unrealistic Pricing

A beautiful, spacious room in a great area for $150/week? It's probably a scam designed to bait desperate renters into acting quickly.

🚨 Know average NYC pricing: Most private rooms run between $200–$400/week.

4. Pressure to Pay Fast

Scammers will say things like: "We have 5 other people interested. If you want it, send the money now. "This tactic is designed to rush you into handing over money without thinking.

🚨 Take your time. If they rush you, it’s a red flag.

✅ Why NYC Rooms for Rent Is the Safer Option

We’ve been serving New Yorkers for over 30 years, and we’re proud to offer a safer, more personal alternative to random online ads. Here’s why people trust us:

1. We Verify the Room Owners

Every room listed with NYC Rooms for Rent goes through a basic vetting process. We speak directly to the landlord or main tenant and know who’s renting it.

2. You See the Room First

We never ask for a deposit before you see the room. Our process ensures you visit the space first and feel confident in the environment.

3. No Scams, No Surprises

We charge a one-time registration fee ($250 for individuals / $300 for couples), and that gives you access to our entire network of available rooms.

4. We’re Local and Accessible

You can walk into our office at any time. We’re located at 606 West 145th Street, New York, NY 10031—not hiding behind a fake email.

5. We Help If Problems Come Up

If your room doesn’t work out or something goes wrong, our team helps you relocate—often at no extra cost.

🛡️ 6 Quick Tips to Avoid Rental Scams (Anywhere)

Never send money through CashApp, Zelle, or Western Union before meeting someone.
Meet the person and view the room in person before paying anything.
Trust your gut—if it feels shady, walk away.
Use services with real offices, track records, and reviews.
Keep receipts, written agreements, and communication screenshots.
Be wary of deals that are “too good to be true.”

💬 Final Word

We understand how stressful it can be to find housing in NYC, especially when you’re in urgent need. That’s exactly why NYC Rooms for Rent exists—to give people a trusted, affordable, and scam-free way to find a room.

Don't risk your hard-earned money on fake ads or shady listings.

📍 Visit us in person at 606 West 145th Street, New York, NY 10031📞 Call us at 212-368-2685