Identity Theft From Moving and Real Estate Scams: What Renters and Buyers Need to Know

August is one of the busiest months for moving in the United States. College students head back to school, families settle before the new school year, and leases often renew. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for moving scams, real estate fraud, and identity theft targeting renters and homebuyers.

Why Moving Season Attracts Scammers

Scammers know that people in the middle of a move are often distracted with juggling deadlines, paperwork, and payments. This makes them more vulnerable to:

Fake rental listings designed to steal deposits and personal information.

Phishing emails pretending to be from real estate agents, landlords, or moving companies.

Mail fraud from address changes not properly secured.

Moving scams cost consumers millions each year — and many victims also suffer long-term consequences from stolen personal data.

Common Moving and Real Estate Scams

1. Fake Listings and Deposit Theft

Scammers post fraudulent rental listings with photos stolen from real properties. They often demand an upfront deposit or first month’s rent without showing the property. Once paid, they disappear.

Tip: Always verify the listing through multiple sources and never send money before seeing the property in person.

2. Phishing During the Closing Process

Homebuyers are at risk from real estate wire fraud, where hackers intercept emails between buyers, agents, and title companies. Victims are tricked into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts.

Tip: Always confirm wiring instructions over the phone using a verified number — never rely solely on email.

3. Change-of-Address Mail Theft

When you forward your mail, criminals may intercept it to steal Social Security numbers, bank statements, or bills. This can lead to financial identity theft.

Tip: File your change-of-address directly with the U.S. Postal Service online or in person and consider a locked mailbox for your new home.

How IDSeal Can Help Protect You During a Move

Moving can expose your personal information in ways you might not expect — from handing over sensitive details on rental applications to forwarding your mail. That’s where IDSeal’s identity theft protection services step in.

Dark Web Protection & Alerts: Scammers who steal your data from fake listings or intercepted emails often sell it on the dark web. IDSeal® scans for your personal information — like Social Security numbers, bank account details, and email logins — and alerts you if it appears in unsafe places.

Instant Credit Application Monitoring: If a scammer tries to open a credit card, take out a loan, or rent property in your name, IDSeal’s credit monitoring can detect suspicious activity early, giving you the chance to stop fraud before it causes lasting damage.

Change-of-Address Monitoring: IDSeal can help you stay ahead of mail theft scams by monitoring for unauthorized address changes linked to your identity.

While you focus on boxes and moving trucks, IDSeal focuses on protecting your personal data so your move is a fresh start, not a financial setback.

Don’t let a new address put your identity at risk — see how IDSeal helps protect you, no matter where life takes you.