Kingston, Jamaica — 27 February 2026
A recent case in the United States, where a Florida realtor discovered her property fraudulently listed on social media as a below-market rental, has renewed attention on the growing risk of online rental scams — a threat that is increasingly relevant to Jamaica’s tightening rental market.
In that case, photos and descriptions from a legitimate townhouse sale listing were copied and republished as a fake rental advertisement at a heavily discounted price. Prospective tenants were encouraged to send deposits and fees upfront. The listing remained online until media intervention prompted its removal.
While the incident occurred overseas, the mechanics of the scam are familiar — and the implications for Jamaica’s property market are significant.
