How to Spot a Suspicious Apartment Listing: 7 Warning Signs
Published · 2 min read
A low price, pressure to pay a deposit and no viewing are classic signs of a scam. Seven warning signs that help you spot a suspicious apartment listing before you lose money.
Why you need to be careful
When looking to rent or buy an apartment, you will occasionally come across listings whose goal is not to provide an apartment but to extract money. You can spot most of them if you know the typical warning signs. Here are seven.
1. The price is suspiciously low
If an apartment is significantly cheaper than similar offers in the same area, either there is a catch or it is a scam. Compare the price with other listings nearby.
2. The owner cannot or will not show the apartment
"I'm abroad at the moment", "I'll send you the keys by courier" or "a viewing isn't necessary" are classic excuses. A real owner or their representative will show you the apartment in person, or at least over a live video call.
3. A deposit is requested before the viewing
Paying in advance to "reserve" an apartment you haven't seen and without a contract is one of the most common forms of fraud. Don't send money until you have verified the apartment and signed a contract.
4. Pressure to decide quickly
"There are many interested people, decide today" is meant to stress you out so that you don't have time to check anything. A reasonable owner gives you time for a viewing and for thinking it over.
5. The photos look like they're from a catalogue
Overly perfect photos that don't match the description may have been taken from another listing. Try running them through a reverse image search. If they appear under a different address, that is a warning sign.
6. Communication outside the platform and unusual payment methods
If someone immediately pushes you to move the conversation to another messenger, or asks for payment in cash, cryptocurrency or to a foreign account, be careful. Honest offers can be arranged transparently.
7. Personal documents are requested before the viewing
A copy of your ID card or your account number before you even know whether the apartment is real has no justification. Provide personal data only when concluding the contract.
What to do if you have a suspicion
Don't pay anything, keep the communication and report the listing to the portal's administrator. If you have already suffered a loss, contact the police.
Being careful when looking for an apartment isn't paranoia. A few extra minutes spent verifying can save you a lot of money and stress.
