TL;DR: Zillow aggregates real listings from agents and property managers and has been adding more verification tools around its listings, making it a genuinely useful starting point for house-hunting or apartment searches. Because Zillow pulls in listings from many sources, scammers can post or hijack a listing for a property that isn't actually for rent, then collect deposits from multiple hopeful renters before disappearing.
Zillow is widely used, and for most people, most of the time, it works exactly as intended. Zillow aggregates real listings from agents and property managers and has been adding more verification tools around its listings, making it a genuinely useful starting point for house-hunting or apartment searches.
What the Real Risks Are
Because Zillow pulls in listings from many sources, scammers can post or hijack a listing for a property that isn't actually for rent, then collect deposits from multiple hopeful renters before disappearing.
Red Flags to Watch For
A "landlord" who's conveniently out of the country and can't show the unit in person, and any request for a deposit or application fee before you've toured the actual property.
How to Use Zillow Safely
Keep all payments and communication inside Zillow’s own official app or platform — never move to text, email, or another app at someone else’s request. Verify who you’re dealing with before sending money or personal information, and turn on any extra security features Zillow offers.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Is Zocdoc Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Is Airbnb Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zillow safe to use?
Zillow aggregates real listings from agents and property managers and has been adding more verification tools around its listings, making it a genuinely useful starting point for house-hunting or apartment searches.
What are the main risks of using Zillow?
Because Zillow pulls in listings from many sources, scammers can post or hijack a listing for a property that isn't actually for rent, then collect deposits from multiple hopeful renters before disappearing.
What red flags should I watch for on Zillow?
A "landlord" who's conveniently out of the country and can't show the unit in person, and any request for a deposit or application fee before you've toured the actual property.
How do I stay safe while using Zillow?
Keep all payments and communication within Zillow’s own official app or platform, verify who you’re dealing with before sending money, and enable any security features Zillow offers, such as two-factor authentication.
What should I do if something goes wrong on Zillow?
Report the issue directly to Zillow’s support team, contact your bank or card issuer if money was involved, and change your password immediately if your account may be compromised.