I lost $4,800 to a fake rental on Facebook Marketplace in my first month

Anonymous Sincere Lyrebird · 13 May 2026

Posting because I didn't see anything like this when I was searching and I want the next person to see it. Listing was a 1-bed in Surry Hills for $480/wk, looked too good but the photos checked out, the "landlord" had a believable story (overseas for work, wanted reliable tenant). I transferred bond + 2 weeks rent to a personal Aussie bank account after a polite back-and-forth over 4 days. Then nothing. Number disconnected, account closed at the bank, FB profile deleted. Reverse image search later showed the photos were from a Melbourne listing from 2022. Rules I now live by: only rent through a licensed agent OR view in person OR use a verified Flatmates.com.au listing with reviews. Never transfer money before a signed lease.

3 replies

Anonymous Grateful Pelican · 13 May 2026

Thank you for posting. I had a near-miss in week 2 and only didn't transfer because my flatmate (Aussie) said "doesn't smell right". Trust your gut. Trust your friends here.

Anonymous Cautious Goanna · 13 May 2026

If it's on Facebook Marketplace, assume it's fake until proven otherwise. Domain, Realestate.com.au, or Flatmates.com.au with verified listings only.

Anonymous Sincere Bilby · 14 May 2026

Did you report to ScamWatch and your bank? If you act within 24 hours sometimes the bank can recall the transfer. After that it's basically gone — but reporting helps stop the next victim.