Beware of Rental Scams in Colorado Springs: What Buyers, Sellers, and Renters Need to Know

Rental scams are becoming increasingly common in Colorado Springs—especially as housing demand remains high across the region. A frequent tactic: criminals copy photos and details from legitimate for-sale listings and repost them online as if they’re available for rent.

At The Johnson Team, our Colorado Springs real estate agents are committed to protecting our community. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent, understanding how these scams work can help you avoid becoming a victim—and keep your real estate goals on track.

How Rental Scams Typically Work

Scammers often lift photos and descriptions from active real estate listings, then repost them on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even Zillow. These fake listings are usually priced well below market to create urgency. The “landlord”—often claiming to be the owner— says they’re out of town and pressures you to send money first (wire, Zelle, or a cash app) before any showing or proper lease.

Local Case: Real Colorado Springs Home Used in a Scam (2024)

In September 2023, KOAA News5 reported a case on the west side of Colorado Springs where a homeowner discovered strangers showing up at the property after a fake online post used the home’s photos and advertised an unrealistically low rent. The owner, Matt Thierfelder, saw unannounced visitors on his Ring camera and learned scammers had duplicated the listing. The fake ad undercut the real asking price, and the owner worried victims who’d sent a $500 “deposit” would come to the house demanding answers. KOAA News 5

Leaders at the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado told News5 these scams are gaining traction locally because more people are searching for rentals; many incidents go unreported, making enforcement difficult. Their guidance echoes the basics: don’t pay someone you haven’t met, insist on touring the property, and flag suspicious posts so platforms can remove them.

6 Red Flags to Spot a Fake Rental

• The price looks too low for the area.

• The “landlord” won’t meet in person or show the home.

• You’re asked to pay up front, sight unseen.

• Photos/details match a for-sale listing, not a managed rental.

• Requests for sensitive info (SSN, bank details) arrive too early.

• They can’t verify ownership or provide a proper lease/management info.

How Sellers Can Be Affected Too

If you’re selling—especially if the home is vacant—your listing can be cloned into a fake rental ad. That can lead to unwanted foot traffic, confusion for real buyers, and safety concerns. When you list with The Johnson Team, we help monitor for duplicates and act quickly to report and remove fraudulent posts.

How to Protect Yourself

For renters/buyers:
Tour in person (or via live video with a verified party). Avoid irreversible payment methods. If you feel rushed, slow down and verify.

For sellers:
Coordinate address/keyword monitoring with your agent. Keep lockbox protocols tight. Report suspicious duplicates immediately.

Verify Before You Pay (Colorado Springs – Local Steps)

1) Confirm the true owner
Use the El Paso County Assessor property search to confirm the current titled owner (individual, trust, or LLC).

2) Verify the broker/property manager’s license
Check Colorado DORA’s Division of Real Estate eLicense lookup to ensure the person/company shows an Active license.

What To Do If You Spot a Scam

Report the listing to the platform (Facebook, Craigslist, Zillow). If money or personal information was shared, document everything and notify your agent so we can assist with takedowns and next steps.

Colorado Springs Rental Scam FAQs

How can I quickly check if a rental is legit?
Confirm the owner in the El Paso County Assessor search, then verify any broker/property manager in DORA’s eLicense system before sharing info or money.

Should I ever pay before seeing a place?
Best practice is no. If you can’t attend, arrange a trusted in-person tour or a live video with a verified professional—then use a payment method with protections.

What if I find the same address listed by two different “owners”?
Stop and verify ownership, confirm license status for anyone involved, and report the suspicious post.

I’m selling my home—how do I prevent misuse of my listing?
Search your address periodically, keep secure lockbox protocols, and escalate duplicates with your agent for quick takedowns.

Real Estate Peace of Mind with The Johnson Team

Your real estate experience should be safe, transparent, and straightforward. If you have questions about a listing—or need help verifying a rental—reach out to The Johnson Team. We’re here to help you navigate Colorado Springs with confidence.