Rental Scams in Georgetown, TX: How to Protect Yourself and Why Working with a Licensed Realtor Matters
We were recently contacted by a potential client looking for a rental property in the Georgetown area. They let us know they were under the impression they had already lease this property and had even paid application fees, a deposit, and their first month’s rent on a home that was available for lease.
The problem was, they didn’t pay a property manager or landlord.. they paid a scammer posing as a homeowner.
Unfortunately, this is becoming more and more common. Rental scams are on the rise, and Georgetown is not immune. As our city continues to grow and rental demand continues to increase, scammers are targeting renters who feel pressure to move quickly.
If you are searching for a home or apartment for rent in Georgetown, Austin, or surrounding areas, here is what you need to know to protect yourself.
Why Rental Scams Are Happening in Georgetown:
Georgetown has grown exponentially fast in the last few years, especially after the pandemic. With neighborhoods like Santa Rita Ranch, Rancho Sienna, Parmer Ranch, Wolf Ranch, Berry Creek, Sun City, and Downtown Georgetown in high demand, rental homes can move very quickly.
Scammers know this..
They rely on the urgency. When renters feel rushed, whether because of timelines, job relocations, limited inventory, or difficulty obtaining approval for a rental property, they are more likely to act quickly and skip verification steps.
That is exactly what scammers count on.
The Most Common Rental Scams in Georgetown:
Fake Listings on Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace
One of the most common scams we see involves stolen photos.
Scammers will take pictures from legitimate MLS listings or brokerage websites and repost them on platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. They advertise the property at an attractive price point and pretend to be the owner or listing agent.
The home itself may be real, but the person you are speaking to is not.
Too Good To Be True Pricing
If a rental price looks far below comparable homes in the same Georgetown neighborhood, slow down!
For example, if similar homes in Santa Rita Ranch are renting for $2,200 to $2,500 and you see one listed for $1,500, that should immediately raise questions.
Scammers use low pricing to create excitement and urgency. It gets people emotionally attached before they start asking the right questions.
Requests for Payment Before You Tour
This is one of the biggest red flags.
If someone asks you to send application fees, deposits, or first month’s rent before you have toured the property, do not send money.
Scammers often request payment through untraceable methos like CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, or wire transfers. These methods are difficult to reverse once the funds are sent.
Legitimate Georgetown property management companies and licensed Realtors do not ask for random peer to peer payments without documentation and a clear leasing process.
Out of Town “Landlords” Who Cannot Meet
Another common story involves someone claiming they are out of state, overseas, or traveling for work. They will say they cannot show you the property but will send you the keys after payment. In other instances, the “landlord” will ask you to pay for the application fee before you look at the property, will schedule you, and then will never show up.
If you cannot verify ownership or tour the property through a legitimate company, do not move forward.
While some verified companies may use self showing systems, you should still be able to confirm that the property is tied to a real brokerage or management company with a visible online presence.
Red Flags Georgetown Renters Should Watch For
Be cautious if:
The person only communicates by social media, text, or email and avoids phone calls
You are pressured to send money immediately because “other applicants are waiting”
The lease documents look generic, incomplete, or suspicious
The listing appears only on Craigslist or Facebook and not on a verified brokerage website
You are asked to tour only the outside of the home
If something feels rushed or unclear, trust your instincts and verify the listing before sending any money.
How to Verify a Rental Listing in Georgetown
Before sending any funds, take a few extra steps.
First, look up the address online. Visit their official website and call the number listed there directly. Do not rely only on the phone number provided in a social media message.
Second, verify the license.
In Texas, all Realtors, Real Estate Agents, Brokers, and property managers must be licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission.
You can search their name or license number directly on the TREC website.
If someone claims to be a Realtor and cannot provide a license number, that is a major red flag.
Licensed professionals are held accountable. They must follow advertising laws and ethical standards. That level of oversight does not exist on consumer listing platforms.
What To Do If You Have Already Sent Money
If you believe you have been targeted by a rental scam:
Contact your bank or payment provider immediately
Stop communication with the individual
File a police report with the Georgetown Police Department
If someone impersonated a licensed agent, report it to TREC
The faster you act, the better your chances of limiting damage.
Why Working With a Licensed Realtor in Georgetown Protects You
When you work with a licensed local Realtor, listings are verified through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The property is tied to a real owner or management company. Lease documents follow Texas standards. Payment methods are secure and documented.
You also get local expertise. A Georgetown based brokerage understands market pricing, neighborhood trends, and standard leasing procedures.
And in many cases, working with a Realtor to find a rental does not cost you anything.
Final Thoughts
Rental scams are becoming more sophisticated, and Georgetown’s growing market makes it a target.
If you are looking for homes for rent in Georgetown TX, take the extra steps to verify listings and avoid sending money through informal payment apps.
Working with a licensed local brokerage from the beginning can protect your time, your stress level, and your bank account.
At Sonar Realty, we help renters find verified homes safely and confidently. If you are starting your search in Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Austin, and surrounding areas, we are here to help!
