This scam is one of many variations of fake check scams. The fraudster answers an ad claiming to be a potential roommate. The fraudster sends a check in an amount that exceeds the agreed-upon initial rent. The check is deposited into the bank and appears to clear. The funds are credited to the account. The potential roommate (Fraudster) requests the extra money, an amount paid above the agreed-upon price, be returned to him/her via wire transfer, through a digital financial transaction such as Venmo, Apple Pay, etc., or via Mobile Deposit if the account holder provided log on credentials. The excess money is returned to the potential roommate (Fraudster). On a later date, the bank notifies the student the deposited check is bogus and that the student is out of money.

A variation of the Roommate Rental Scam is when an online ad includes photos of the apartment and requested rent. The fraudster claims to be out of town and is unable to show the unit. A refundable deposit is requested to hold the unit until he/she can show you the apartment. The deposit is electronically remitted to the fraudster. The fraudster never owned the unit and the renter is out the money (Deposit).