How do I ensure my rental is legit?

As someone looking to rent a property, I'm concerned about the legitimacy of the rental process. What steps can I take to ensure that the rental I'm considering is genuine and not a scam? I've heard horror stories about fake listings and fraudulent landlords, so I want to be extra cautious. Can you provide some tips and advice on how to verify the authenticity of a rental and protect myself from potential scams?