We call ours a Sure Bond and it's non-refundable.

During the recession in 2007/2008 there were a lot of that in the DMV area. I had renters telling horror stories about sending all this money and got scammed. I even had someone try to pay me over the move in amount and then request me to wire the credit back. Umm no, went straight to the bank with that fraudulent check

Yes. The deposit is refundable after you move out and you’re paying first and last up front. However, if you renew the lease make sure it’s documented that you paid first and last up front. Many owners do this because way too many people give 30 day notice and fail to pay the final month

Before sending any money. I would check with the tax assessor to see if who you are sending the money to owns the property.

Brother was scammed by an "individual owner". Out of state move. Gave first and last months rent plus deposit. Turns out wasn't the owner of the listed house. Came to move in with lease in hand and found they had been scammed. Make sure you are dealing with owner.

 It may not be a Scam. Have u seen the prop
Or only pictures. Go to google and verify if prop exists. Also verify if its a legit business man or business.
And did u send a wire to an American bank ?
When do u take possession and pay deposit and Rent ?
If u used your bank to send wire funds. You may still be able to get it back.
Sorry to be bearer of bad news.
Ocassionally we do lease to people who cant afford to travel to see properties. But we face time and ask them to hire local person or if on school find somone to check property out