A fake listing for a one-bedroom apartment on Princess Wharf was flagged as a scam by Trade Me and users who had expressed interest were contacted by website staff.
The apartment was listed for $250 a week while a separate genuine listing for a similar apartment cost $520 a week.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the scam was revealed after the paper investigated Auckland's worsening rental market where prices have increased up to 24 percent and demand is out-stripping supply.
The bulk of fake property listings were posted by overseas scammers who were trying to lure tenants into giving out their personal details or paying an up-front fee, Trade Me trust and safety manager Chris Budge said.
Scammers would often offer to reduce rent for business conducted outside of the website and renters should be wary of sending money through overseas transfers, Mr Budge said.
