Winter Rental Scams: What Military Families Should Watch For

MIL-Estate Network is 100% Veteran or Military Spouse Realtors. We have over 170 agents nationwide so we can help you anywhere!

Winter PCS moves create the perfect storm for rental scams. Limited availability, tight timelines, and long-distance house hunting make military families prime targets during the holiday season. Understanding common red flags can help protect your budget, your move, and your peace of mind.

Be wary of rental listings priced far below market value. Scammers often copy legitimate photos and repost them with unrealistically low rent to lure renters who feel pressured by PCS deadlines. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.

Never send money upfront. Scammers often claim they are deployed, out of the country, or unable to meet in person. They might push for payments through wire transfers, prepaid cards, or app-based payments before showing the property. Legitimate landlords or managers will never ask for payment before you sign a lease or see the home.

Pay attention to communication style. If the person avoids answering detailed questions or provides vague information about the home or the neighborhood, it may indicate a scam. Real landlords know their property and can answer questions easily.

Verify ownership whenever possible. Public property records, tax databases, and real estate search tools make it easy to confirm who owns the home. If the person advertising the home isn’t the actual owner, stop immediately.

Always ask for a live virtual tour if you can’t visit in person. Scammers typically avoid real-time video because they don’t have access to the property. A trusted MIL-Estate Support agent can also conduct an in-person check to confirm the listing is real.

Winter PCS moves can be stressful, but awareness and preparation can keep your family safe from rental fraud.

MIL-Estate Support is here to guide military families through smooth, secure moves across the country.

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Mil-Estate is built upon the premise of "Guiding Veterans Home with Honor, Loyalty, and Integrity." We're a nationwide network of highly experienced, vetted real estate agents exclusively comprised of Veterans and Military Spouses. We've worn the uniform, carried the burden, and thrived through the triumphs and challenges unique to military life. And now, we leverage that experience to serve those who have served.