--- title: How to avoid fake Alcove listings description: Before you apply or pay, make sure the listing is really from Alcove --- [Skip to content](https://help.alcoverooms.com/how-to-spot-a-rental-scam#main-content) [![logotypesvg](https://help.alcoverooms.com/hubfs/logotypesvg.svg)](https://alcoverooms.com) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Visit Alcove](https://alcoverooms.com/) [Visit Alcove](https://alcoverooms.com/) Welcome to Alcove. How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.alcoverooms.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [FAQ for Applicants / Prospective Tenants](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en) 3. [Application Process](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#application-process) # How to avoid fake Alcove listings ## Before you apply or pay, make sure the listing is really from Alcove Alcove verifies landlords and properties before a lease is signed, and keeps applications, leases, and payments on the Alcove platform. These safeguards help protect renters, but scammers may still copy a real Alcove listing, including its photos, address, and description. The listing may be real, but the person posting it may not be. [Learn more about Alcove’s protections.](https://help.alcoverooms.com/what-is-the-alcove-payment-protection?hsLang=en) **Here are a few examples:** | ![Screenshot 2026-07-22 at 10.48.47 AM](https://help.alcoverooms.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.48.47%20AM.png?width=309&height=481&name=Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.48.47%20AM.png) | ![Screenshot 2026-07-22 at 11.32.09 AM](https://help.alcoverooms.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2011.32.09%20AM.png?width=670&height=930&name=Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2011.32.09%20AM.png) | | --- | --- | ### How can I tell if a listing is legitimate? You may find Alcove on Apartments.com, Zillow, HotPads, Zumper, Facebook ads, and other rental sites. However, the application and leasing process will **always** take place through Alcove. Search for the address on [alcoverooms.com](https://alcoverooms.com) and submit your inquiry through the Alcove listing. If you are unsure about a listing or the person you are speaking with, email us at [apply@alcoverooms.com](mailto:apply@alcoverooms.com). ### How does Alcove handle applications, leases, and payments? - Applications, leases, and payments are handled through the Alcove platform and your Alcove account. - While leasing support can happen through text, we will never ask you to send money directly to an individual through Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or another non-Alcove third-party payment service. - If someone asks you to pay that way, do not send the money. The photos and address may be real, but the person posting them may not be connected to Alcove. ### How should I provide personal information? - Never send your Social Security number, ID, or bank login over text, Facebook Messenger, or another messaging app. Enter sensitive information only through the Alcove platform. - Alcove may occasionally contact you to verify information. Those emails will come from [support@alcoverooms.com](mailto:support@alcoverooms.com) or [apply@alcoverooms.com](mailto:apply@alcoverooms.com). ### What does the normal Alcove rental process look like? Even if you first find the room on another website, you will alwasy: 1. Submit your inquiry or application through Alcove. 2. Schedule your tour through Alcove. 3. Complete screening through TransUnion on the Alcove platform. 4. Sign your lease through Alcove. 5. Make payments through your Alcove account. More info can be found here: [What is the Application Process?](https://help.alcoverooms.com/what-is-the-process?hsLang=en) ### What should I do if I already sent money? - Act as quickly as you can. - Stop sending money, even if the person says another payment is needed to release or refund the first payment. - Contact your bank or payment service immediately. Tell them it was fraud and ask whether they can reverse, recall, or dispute the payment. - Save screenshots of the listing, profile, messages, receipts, phone numbers, email addresses, and names used. - Report the listing and profile to the website where you found them. - If you shared your Social Security number, ID, or bank login, change any affected passwords and place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus. - Send the listing and your screenshots to [support@alcoverooms.com](mailto:support@alcoverooms.com). ### What if I’m speaking with someone now and I’m not sure they work for Alcove? Pause the conversation and do not send money or personal information. Contact us directly at [apply@alcoverooms.com](mailto:apply@alcoverooms.com), and we’ll verify the listing and the person you’re speaking with. - [FAQ for Applicants / Prospective Tenants](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#main-content) - [What's Alcove?](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#whats-alcove) - [Application Process](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#application-process) - [Application & Platform Fees](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#application-platform-fees) - [Getting Settled](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#getting-settled) - [Application criteria and requirements](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#application-criteria-and-requirements) - [International Applicants](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-applicants-prospective-tenants?hsLang=en#international-applicants) - [FAQ for Tenants](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Onboarding and Move In](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#onboarding-and-move-in) - [Access and Lockouts](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#access-and-lockouts) - [General Support](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#general-support) - [Property Information](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#property-information) - [Maintenance Issues and Requests](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#maintenance-issues-and-requests) - [Early Lease Termination and Room Switches](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#early-lease-termination-and-room-switches) - [Security Deposits and Tenant Caused Damages](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#security-deposits-and-tenant-caused-damages) - [Rent Payments](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#rent-payments) - [Utilities](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#utilities) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#emergency-preparedness) - [Lease Renewals](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#lease-renewals) - [Rental Assistance](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-tenants?hsLang=en#rental-assistance) - [FAQ for Owners / Property Managers](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General Info.](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#general-info) - [Per-Bedroom Leasing](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#per-bedroom-leasing) - [Fees and Payments](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#fees-and-payments) - [Managing My Property](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#managing-my-property) - [Safety & Screening](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#safety-screening) - [Property Setup](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#property-setup) - [Home Owner Associations](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#home-owner-associations) - [Alcove Services & Support](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#alcove-services-support) - [Resolution Center](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#resolution-center) - [Managing Deposits](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#managing-deposits) - [Roommate Management](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#roommate-management) - [Delinquency & Evictions](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#delinquency-evictions) - [Reimbursement Requests](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#reimbursement-requests) - [Listing & Reviews](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-owners-property-managers?hsLang=en#listing-reviews) - [FAQ for Service Vendors](https://help.alcoverooms.com/faq-for-service-vendors?hsLang=en) - [Alcove Policies](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Lease term policies](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#lease-term-policies) - [General policies](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#general-policies) - [Repairs](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#repairs) - [Payments](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#payments) - [Roommate Policies](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#roommate-policies) - [Roommate Lease Violations](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#roommate-lease-violations) - [Pets](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-policies?hsLang=en#pets) - [Alcove Terms and Conditions](https://help.alcoverooms.com/alcove-terms-and-conditions?hsLang=en) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://help.alcoverooms.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mark@3x.png?width=24&height=24&name=mark@3x.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://help.alcoverooms.com?hsLang=en) Alcove Help Center Copyright © 2026, Alcove