PCS Sitrep
← Field Kit

When You're Being Scammed

When to use this: Something feels off, pressure is escalating, or you already sent money and need to stop and escalate.

Stop sending money, document everything, and report. Rental scams hit sharp people every PCS season — distance and time pressure are the scammer's edge, not your judgment. The move now is stop the bleeding and escalate through the right channels.

Step 1 — Stop sending money

No more wires, Zelle, gift cards, or “holding deposits.” Do not send another dollar to prove you are serious. Scammers escalate pressure when you pause — that is the tell.

Step 2 — Document everything

  • Screenshot every message, email, and listing
  • Save URLs, phone numbers, and payment confirmations
  • Write a one-page timeline while it is fresh — dates, amounts, what they said
  • Do not delete anything hoping it goes away

Step 3 — Contact installation housing (HSO)

Contact your installation Housing Services Office (HSO). Requirements vary by installation and branch. They see scam patterns every PCS season.

Find yours on your installation's official housing page via Military Installations (find your installation).

Even if you have not signed yet — call. Even if you are still inbound — call.

Step 4 — Contact base legal (JAG)

If you signed something or sent money, JAG needs to know. They can tell you what you actually agreed to and what options you have. That consult is part of why they exist.

Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to reach your installation's legal assistance office, or find it via Military Installations — Legal Assistance offices.

Step 5 — Report to the FTC

File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reports help law enforcement spot patterns. Yours matters even if you do not get money back immediately.

More guidance: Military Consumer

Step 6 — Local authorities and military police

If money left your account, file a report with local police in the jurisdiction where the property was listed. Notify your installation military police office if the scam used military identity or targeted post families.

Step 7 — Your bank and payment apps

If you wired or sent app payments, call your bank or the app fraud line immediately. Recovery is not guaranteed — but speed helps.

Prevent the next one

Go back through the Listing Trap Checklist and Sight-Unseen Protocol before you restart your search. Same rules. No shortcuts.