Moving out of mom and dad’s house is stressful enough, but imagine signing up for a place to stay, only to show up to an apartment that either doesn’t exist or someone else is living there.

That is the reality for a number of college students.

The Better Business Bureau says it’s a scam they’ve seen across Western New York and here’s how it tends to work.

The pictures are stolen and the landlord claims to be out of town and unable to show the property. Then, they create a false sense of urgency, asking for a deposit quick because others are interested.

That’s when they, and your money, disappear.

"And then they are paying for a credit check, and that has your social security number, your address, your date of birth, things that thieves need to steal your identity,” Melanie McGovern, Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York communications director, said. “So again, if you are renting an apartment, make sure you are using reputable rental agencies, and that you are able to go to the apartment and meet the landlord."

And it’s not just students being targeted, so beware if you’re on the search for a new place to call home.

You can head to BBB.org/scamtracker to report an issue, look up scams in your area and find accredited rental companies.

Adding a little more stress if you’re searching for a new place to live, rent prices reached record highs for the 17^th consecutive month in July.

According to Reality.com, the average cost of rent is more than 1,800 per months, 12% higher than last year.

Experts do say that they expect the upward trend to eventually level out.