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.

Una variante de la estafa del alquiler de vivienda es cuando un anuncio en línea incluye fotos del apartamento y el alquiler solicitado. El estafador dice estar fuera de la ciudad y no puede mostrar la unidad. Se solicita un depósito reembolsable para retener la unidad hasta que él/ella pueda mostrar el apartamento. El depósito se remite electrónicamente al estafador. El estafador nunca ha sido propietario de la vivienda y el inquilino se queda sin el dinero (fianza).