Spotting rental scams: Fake landlords, real losses

The Typical Scheme

A beautiful, bright apartment in a prime location – and significantly cheaper than anything else on the market. The “landlord” responds quickly and politely but claims to be abroad and unable to show you the property. To secure it for you anyway, you’re asked to transfer the deposit and first month’s rent in advance, often via an alleged escrow service or key-handling company. After that, nobody responds. The photos usually come from other listings or vacation rentals.

Warning Signs

• **Price clearly below standard** for the location and size.
• **No viewing possible**, with the landlord allegedly traveling or abroad.
• **Payment required before viewing or signing the contract** – deposit, “reservation fee,” or rent.
• **Keys sent by mail or via a service** suggested by the landlord.
• **Pressure tactics:** “There are many interested parties; whoever pays first gets the apartment.”
• **Communication only via email or messenger**, often with poor grammar or translation errors.

Be Careful With Your Data

Some scammers aren’t after your money but your documents: ID copies, proof of income, bank statements. These can be used to open accounts or sign contracts in your name.

• Only provide documents after an actual viewing and after you’ve verified the landlord or property management company.
• Black out any unnecessary details on ID copies and write across them the purpose and recipient, e.g., “Copy solely for apartment application to ...”.

How to Verify a Listing

• **Reverse image search:** Using image search often reveals the same photos in other listings or cities.
• **Check the address:** Does the address exist, and does the building match the photos? A quick local check helps.
• **Insist on a viewing:** No viewing, no payment. Reputable landlords show their property or send someone else to do it.
• **Contract first, then deposit:** Pay the deposit only after signing the rental agreement, preferably to a bank account in your country, and never via cash transfer or gift card.
• **Verify links:** If the “landlord” sends you links to escrow or payment pages, check them first with our Link Check or paste the entire message into our Message Check.

If It’s Already Happened

• **If you’ve transferred money:** Call your bank immediately and request a recall of the transfer.
• **If you’ve sent ID or documents:** File a police report and monitor your mail, bank account, and credit reports (e.g., Schufa or equivalent) for several months to detect any unauthorized contracts.
• **Report the listing to the portal** so it can be removed. Our First Aid page guides you through the next steps.

And What About the VPN?

A VPN protects your connection when you send documents over unfamiliar Wi-Fi while traveling. It doesn’t protect you from a fake landlord – for that, rely on viewings, patience, and a critical eye.