Guides
How to spot rental scams
Where homes are scarce, scammers follow. Fake listings often look convincing, with real photos and sometimes a real address. A few checks protect you.
Warning signs
- You’re asked to pay before you’ve seen the home, for example to “reserve” it.
- The landlord is abroad and sends the keys by post once you’ve paid.
- The rent is well below what similar homes cost.
- You’re rushed: “many others are interested, pay today”.
- The bank account is in another name or another country than the landlord.
- You’re asked for a copy of your ID or other documents before any viewing.
- The listing only appears on social media or in a chat group.
What to check
- View the home in person, or have someone you trust view it for you.
- Look up the address and the photos online; scammers often reuse photos of other listings.
- If an agent is involved, check the agency’s own website and phone number, not only the details in the listing.
- Sign a written lease before you pay, and pay to an account in the name of the landlord or its agent.
Paid listing sites
Some websites charge you to see listings or to respond. That is allowed, but read the terms before you pay: how long the subscription runs, how to cancel, and whether the listings are also available elsewhere. Paying a site gives you no guarantee of a home.
Something went wrong?
- Stop contact and don’t pay anything more.
- Contact your bank straight away; sometimes a payment can still be stopped.
- Report it to the police and to the Fraudehelpdesk.
- Did you share a copy of your ID? Report that too, so misuse can be traced.