About FlagMyListing
FlagMyListing is a free tool that helps renters identify potentially fraudulent rental listings before they send money or personal information to scammers.
Who We Are
FlagMyListing was built by a small team of software developers and consumer protection advocates who saw firsthand how devastating rental scams can be. After a close friend lost over $2,000 to a fake Craigslist listing in 2023, we set out to build a tool that anyone could use — for free — to check a listing before sending money.
We are an independent team based in the United States. We are not affiliated with any rental platform, landlord association, or property management company. Our only goal is to help renters avoid fraud.
Why We Built This
The FTC reports over $65 million in rental scam losses since 2020, with one in three renters encountering a fraudulent listing. Despite this, there was no free, purpose-built tool to help renters check listings before responding.
We built FlagMyListing to fill that gap. Our scam detection engine analyzes listing text for over 40 known fraud patterns — from wire transfer requests and pressure tactics to below-market pricing and remote landlord excuses.
How It Works
Our analysis engine runs entirely in your browser. When you paste a listing URL or text, we check it against a database of scam patterns compiled from FTC reports, BBB scam tracker data, and consumer protection research. We also compare the listed price against local rent averages for 48 cities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland to flag suspicious pricing.
We do not store, transmit, or log the listings you check. Your data stays on your device.
Our Methodology
Our scam detection patterns are sourced from publicly available data including FTC consumer complaints, the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker, state attorney general warnings, and academic research on housing fraud. We regularly update our pattern database as new scam tactics emerge.
Our local rent averages are compiled from public housing data and updated periodically to ensure price comparisons remain accurate. When a listing's price falls significantly below the local median, we flag it as a potential red flag — a tactic commonly used by scammers to attract victims quickly.
What We Are Not
- We are not a guarantee that a listing is legitimate or fraudulent. No automated tool can replace verifying a property and landlord in person.
- We do not provide legal or financial advice. If you believe you have been scammed, contact law enforcement and the FTC.
- We are not affiliated with any rental platform. FlagMyListing is an independent tool.
How We Make Money
FlagMyListing is free to use. We earn revenue through display advertising (Google AdSense) and affiliate partnerships with identity protection services such as Aura, LifeLock, and Identity Guard. If you click an affiliate link on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships do not influence our scam detection results in any way.
Contact Us
We value feedback from our users. If you have questions, suggestions, or want to report a new scam pattern, reach out to us:
- General inquiries: hello@flagmylisting.com
- Privacy questions: privacy@flagmylisting.com
We typically respond within 1–2 business days.