Common Scam Signals
Payment pressure
Requests for deposits before a tour, verified profile, or signed terms.
Identity mismatch
Inconsistent name, location, listing details, or communication style.
Off-platform rush
Strong push to switch from in-app messaging immediately.
Too-good-to-be-true pricing
Significantly below-market rent with vague explanations.
Roommate Scam Prevention FAQ
What are the most common roommate scam signals?
Four patterns cover most of them: payment pressure (a deposit requested before any tour or signed terms), identity mismatches (name, location, or listing details that don't line up), a rush to move off in-app messaging, and rent priced well below market with a vague explanation.
Is it safe to pay a deposit before seeing a room in person?
No. Never send a deposit or "holding fee" before an in-person tour (or a verified live video walkthrough) and signed terms. A request to pay first is the single most common roommate scam.
How do I avoid getting scammed when looking for a roommate?
Keep conversations in-app until you've met, verify the person's identity and that they actually control the property, refuse wire transfers, Zelle, and gift cards, and treat urgency as a red flag rather than a reason to move faster.
What's the safest way to find a roommate online?
Account-based profiles and in-app messaging can limit contact-information exposure, but no platform proves identity or prevents scams. On CoHabby, your email and phone number are not displayed to other users. Verify people, properties, and payment requests independently.
Next Steps
Start Matching With Better-Fit Roommates
Use CoHabby on web, or download on iOS and Android. Compatibility-first roommate search starts in minutes.