I’ve been covering Chicago real estate long enough to remember when Craigslist was the Wild West and Facebook was still about college photos. Now, Facebook Marketplace rentals are the new hunting ground—and the scams have gotten smarter. If you’re searching for an apartment in Chicago, this verification checklist isn’t optional. It’s survival.
Why Facebook Marketplace Rentals Are Risky in Chicago
The Appeal (and the Trap)
Facebook Marketplace feels local, personal, and convenient. You see names, photos, even mutual friends. That sense of familiarity is exactly what scammers exploit—especially in high-demand Chicago neighborhoods where renters are desperate to move fast.
Chicago’s Rental Pressure Makes It Worse
In neighborhoods like Lakeview, West Loop, Lincoln Park, and Logan Square, good units disappear in hours. Scammers know this. They price listings just low enough to trigger urgency without raising suspicion.
Real example:
A “$1,350 two-bedroom” in Lincoln Park—utilities included, pets welcome. In today’s market, that price alone should stop you cold.
The Facebook Marketplace Rental Verification Checklist
1. Verify the Facebook Profile First
Before you even look at the apartment, look at the person.
Red flags:
- Profile created within the last year
- No Chicago check-ins or local activity
- Stock photos or mismatched profile images
- Name doesn’t match email or payment request
Chicago tip:
Most real local landlords or agents have years of Midwest-boring Facebook history. That’s a good thing.
2. Reverse Image Search the Listing Photos
Scammers recycle photos from Zillow, Apartments.com, or old MLS listings.
What to do:
- Save the photos
- Run a reverse image search
- Check if the same unit appears elsewhere with different contact info
If the photos show up in a closed 2023 listing at a higher price, walk away.
3. Demand a Real Chicago Address—Early
Vague listings are intentional.
Acceptable:
“Near Wrigley” (only temporarily)
Required before proceeding:
- Exact street address
- Unit number
- Building name (if applicable)
If they won’t give you an address until you “send a deposit,” the conversation should end immediately.
4. Compare the Rent to Chicago Market Reality
Here’s a rough 2026 reality check:
- Studio: $1,400–$1,900
- 1-Bedroom: $1,700–$2,400
- 2-Bedroom: $2,300–$3,200
If a listing is 20–30% below neighborhood averages, assume something is wrong until proven otherwise.
5. Never Send Money Before Seeing the Unit
This rule hasn’t changed since the Tribune classifieds era.
Never send:
- Application fees
- Holding deposits
- “Refundable” reservation fees
…before an in-person or verified live video tour.
Chicago law does not require payment just to view an apartment.
6. Ask for Proof of Ownership or Authority
You don’t need to sound confrontational—just professional.
Ask for one of the following:
- Property tax record screenshot
- Management company website
- Illinois broker license number
Real landlords expect this question. Scammers panic when you ask it.
7. Watch for the “Out of Town” Excuse
This is a classic Chicago scam script.
“I’m currently out of state but can mail you the keys.”
No. This isn’t 1998, and keys don’t travel by faith alone.
8. Insist on a Written Lease—Before Payment
Chicago leases should include:
- Full legal owner or company name
- Property address and unit number
- Rent amount and due date
- Security deposit terms (Illinois law matters here)
If the lease is “coming later,” it’s not coming at all.
9. Check the Building on Google Street View
It takes 30 seconds and saves thousands of dollars.
Look for:
- Mismatched building type
- Photos showing condos while listing claims apartments
- Construction that doesn’t match the description
I’ve seen single-family homes passed off as 12-unit buildings.
10. Trust Chicago Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. This city teaches you intuition fast—whether it’s a late-night CTA platform or a too-good-to-be-true rental.
Common Facebook Marketplace Rental Scams in Chicago
Fake Subleases
Scammers pretend to be tenants subletting units they don’t control—often in luxury buildings downtown.
Cloned Listings
Real listings copied word-for-word with a new Facebook contact and lower rent.
Deposit-First Pressure
“You’re the first to message me, but five others are interested.”
They always are.
Safer Alternatives for Chicago Renters
Facebook Marketplace isn’t useless—but it shouldn’t be your only tool.
Working with verified agents and curated platforms protects you from:
- Fake listings
- Bait-and-switch pricing
- Illegal deposits
And no, renters in Chicago don’t pay agent fees.
Summary: Use Facebook Marketplace—But Verify Everything
Facebook Marketplace rentals can work in Chicago—but only if you treat every listing like it’s guilty until proven legitimate. Verify profiles, prices, photos, addresses, and paperwork. If a landlord rushes you, pressures payment, or avoids transparency, you’re not missing out—you’re dodging a financial disaster.
Visit TourWithAgent.com to schedule curated apartment tours in Chicago with real availability, real pricing, and an expert agent to guide you.
