Rental Scams Rose from 184 to 922 Cases: 5 Checks Before Paying a Deposit

TUCKWAI · Agent guide · Sources checked 2026-11-13 · AI-assisted editorial content

Illustration of a smartphone in hand
Illustration of a smartphone in hand · Dennis Cortés cortes / Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · Image license

Police data shows rental scam cases rose from 184 in 2023 to 922 in 2025. Scammers often pose as agents or owners, avoid viewings and push for early deposits. Agents can make anti-scam steps part of their service.

What police reported

The Star on 12 January 2026 quoted Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Rusdi Mohd Isa: rental scams numbered 184 cases in 2023 with losses of about RM396,246.55; 307 in 2024 with about RM835,367.71; and 922 in 2025 with about RM2.5 million. Police have arrested 245 people since 2023. Scammers pose as agents or owners with unusually cheap listings, contact victims through WhatsApp, Telegram and social media, claim units are in demand and avoid viewings.

Five checks before paying a deposit

1) View the unit in person and confirm it exists; 2) verify the agent's REN number and firm; 3) check ownership with the owner, for example quit rent or assessment bills plus ID; 4) pay deposits only into the firm's or owner's account matching the documents; 5) sign a written tenancy and get an official receipt. Be especially careful when rent is well below market.

Agent insight: make anti-scam part of your service

This is agent analysis. State in listings that deposits are only taken after viewing, show your REN number, and explain at first contact that payments go only to the firm's account. These steps help genuine tenants trust you faster and filter out suspicious contacts who refuse viewings.

FAQ

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

Contact your bank quickly, call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 and make a police report.

An agent says many people want the unit and asks for a deposit first. Is that normal?

Police say pressure to pay is a common tactic. View and verify first, then pay.

An agent’s follow-up message

To protect you, we will arrange a viewing first, and I will share my REN number and agency details for you to check. The deposit will only go to the firm's account with an official receipt. When are you free to view?