It is not safe to pay a deposit this way before you arrive, even with a signed lease. Scammers use fake leases to steal your money, and once you send it, you probably cannot get it back.
“I'm moving to the US from abroad for a few months and trying to secure a room in a shared apartment before I arrive. Since I can't view places in person, I'm worried about scams. Some people are asking for application fees and deposits via Zelle or Venmo. Is it safe to pay this way if a lease is signed, or is this a scam? How can I protect myself?”
Summary
You can protect yourself by keeping your money until you get here. The official Federal Trade Commission rule is simple: if you cannot see the apartment or sign a lease in person before you pay, keep looking.
Next steps
Being asked to pay via peer-to-peer apps before arriving is a known trap. Here is how the scam works and why you cannot use these payment methods anyway.
Identify the scam
Scammers make up fake rental listings or take over real ones. They may send you a fake lease to rush you into paying an application fee, a deposit, or the first month's rent. They promise to get you the keys right away, but after you pay, the person disappears with your money.
Understand the payment platform risks
If you send money to a scammer, you cannot recover it through the bank. does not apply to these transfers. Neither Wells Fargo nor Chase offers reimbursement for authorized payments made with Zelle if you do not receive what you paid for, except in very limited imposter scam programs. Sending money this way is like sending cash.
Recognize the logistical block
As an incoming resident, you cannot legitimately use Zelle yet. The service requires an eligible U.S. checking or savings account. To open a U.S. bank account, banks require proof of a U.S. address, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement. Since you do not live in the U.S. yet, you cannot meet this requirement.
Protect yourself
Never send payment for a property you have never seen to a person you have never met. Search online for the rental address and the owner's name to see if other ads show different contact information. If you cannot visit the property yourself, ask someone you trust to go in person and verify it matches the ad.
Legal sources
The Federal Trade Commission outlines how rental scams operate, while U.S. banks define the rules for peer-to-peer payment apps.
FTC Rental Listing Scams
If you cannot view the property or sign a lease in person, do not pay. Sending money through wire transfers or similar methods is like sending cash, and you likely cannot recover it.
If you send money by wire transfer , gift card , or cryptocurrency , it’s like sending cash. Once it’s gone, you probably can’t get it back. If you can’t see the apartment or sign a lease before you pay, keep looking.
FTC Rental Listing Scams
Scammers use fake listings and disappear after you pay the deposit or fee.
The fake owner might tell you to send money by wire transfer , gift card, or cryptocurrency to pay your application fee, deposit, or first month’s rent. The fake owner promises to get you the keys right away. Except, after you pay, the person you’ve been dealing with will disappear with your money.
Wells Fargo Checking Account Terms
Banks and Zelle do not offer purchase protection if you do not receive the rental you paid for.
Neither Wells Fargo nor Zelle ® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle ® - for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected.
Chase Bank Account Guidelines
You must have an eligible U.S. bank account to enroll in Zelle.
Enrollment in Zelle ® at a participating financial institution using an eligible U.S. checking or savings account is required to use the service.
Chase U.S. Bank Account for Non-Residents
Opening a U.S. bank account requires proof of a U.S. address.
Proof of U.S. address must be provided in the form of a document that shows both your name and address to ensure you’re associated with the property.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information.
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