With the development of digital technologies, more and more housing rental transactions are conducted online. Unfortunately, fraudsters actively exploit this by posing as apartment owners or tenants.
The most common crimes in this area are related to deception during online housing booking and the parties evading their obligations after receiving money.Main fraud schemes:
Fake listings. Scammers post attractively priced offers using photos belonging to others. After receiving an advance payment for "booking," they disappear.
Counterfeit websites and pages. Copies of popular rental platforms are created to collect bank card details and payments. False tenants. A "tenant" sends a fake payment confirmation or a link "to receive payment" that leads to a phishing website. Refusal to fulfill the contract. Real owners or tenants receive money but do not fulfill their obligations (do not provide housing or do not vacate the premises). Never do: Make advance payments without a contract. Transfer money to unknown cards or e-wallets. Click on "advantageous" links in messengers.
Keep: Screenshots of correspondence, receipts, and listings. Bank receipts are your evidence.
If you have been deceived: Immediately call your bank to request a stop on the transfer. Save all evidence. Contact the police with a fraud report.
The main rule: Check twice – pay once!