Long Beach Property Management Company Warns Renters of Rising Online Rental Scams Ahead of 2026 Leasing Season
Long Beach, CA — October 2025 — As the leasing season intensifies across Southern California, Harbor Property Management of Long Beach, a trusted Long Beach property management company, is alerting renters to a surge in online rental scams targeting local residents. Fraudulent listings continue to circulate on social media and classified platforms, often costing renters thousands in lost deposits.
Data from the Federal Trade Commission show that rental scams rose by nearly 17 percent in 2023, with more than 10,000 official reports nationwide. The Better Business Bureau documented a 45 percent increase in related complaints over two years, and a 2024 Rently survey revealed that 93 percent of renters believe scams are common while 90 percent fear becoming victims.
Recognizing the Warning Signs in Long Beach Property Management Services
Many fraudulent listings use legitimate photos copied from real properties but redirect applicants to fake contact details or cloned websites. Victims are often told to wire deposits or send payments via peer-to-peer apps before a viewing. Once money is transferred, the scammer disappears.
In one case reported by ABC7 News, a Long Beach resident wired $3,200 to secure a condo that turned out not to be for rent. The post had been copied from an authentic listing and reposted under a false name. The California Department of Real Estate has also issued statewide warnings about identity-theft schemes using stolen licensee information and fake company websites—tactics that exploit renters and damage legitimate businesses offering Long Beach property management services.
Local Risk Factors for Long Beach, CA Property Management Companies
Long Beach’s large student, military, and commuter populations create constant housing turnover, making the area a target for scammers. Fraudsters frequently impersonate genuine Long Beach, CA property management companies by altering one character in an email address or duplicating official property photos.
Experts recommend that renters verify listings through the California Department of Real Estate or the City of Long Beach’s business license registry. Authentic management firms will provide clear lease documentation, company-branded email communication, and secure online payment portals rather than personal payment apps.
Industry Data Highlights the Impact on Long Beach Rental Property Management
The National Multi-family Housing Council reports that over 70 percent of rental housing providers nationwide have experienced fraudulent applications or payment attempts in the past year, and 62 percent have encountered identity-theft incidents. These scams add costs and erode trust across the industry, affecting both owners and tenants.
Professionals involved in Long Beach rental property management are responding by tightening verification systems and increasing communication transparency. Many firms are also providing renters with digital security tips as part of their leasing process to help prevent financial loss.
Community Awareness and Long Beach California Property Management Standards
Consumer education remains the strongest defense against fraud. Renters are encouraged to research company credentials, verify addresses, and avoid sending funds before confirming Long Beach property management services ownership. Harbor Property Management of Long Beach continues to promote transparent, compliant, and safety-first practices within the Long Beach, California property management community to ensure both tenants and landlords can operate confidently in a rapidly changing market.
About Harbor Property Management of Long Beach
Harbor Property Management of Long Beach provides full-service residential management throughout Long Beach and Lakewood. The company specializes in leasing, maintenance coordination, and compliance oversight, helping clients maintain secure and efficient rental operations.
Harbor Property Management of Long Beach
Contact Information
Company Name:
Harbor Property Management of Long Beach
Phone:
(562) 684-6757
Address:
3553 Atlantic Ave
City:
Long Beach
State:
CA
Postal Code:
90807
Country:
United States
Website:
https://www.harborpm.com/cities-served/long-beach-property-management/
Email:
[email protected]