Real estate rental is one of the most common markets where fraudulent schemes occur. Scammers use fake ads, demand prepayments for non-existent apartments, sublet properties without the owner's knowledge, forge documents, or offer fictitious realtor services. Ignorance of deception methods leads to financial losses. Let's look at the main fraud schemes and ways to identify them.
Fake Rental Ads
One of the most common schemes is placing false ads. Scammers use photos of real apartments, create a plausible description, but list a price below the market rate. This attracts potential tenants who are offered to transfer a prepayment for “booking.” After receiving the money, the scammers disappear.
Signs of fake ads:
- Price below the market average for similar properties;
- Prepayment required before viewing the apartment;
- Communication exclusively through messengers, refusal to make calls;
- Lack of original documents, vague answers to questions;
- Pressure on the tenant, attempts to expedite the transfer of funds.
How to Avoid Fraud:
- Check the cost of similar apartments in the area.
- Insist on a personal meeting with the owner, inspection of the property.
- Request an extract from the Unified State Register of Real Estate, verify the landlord's passport with the apartment documents.
- Sign a written contract only after confirming ownership rights.
If the landlord avoids personal meetings, proposes to complete the transaction only online, or demands an advance without guarantees, there is a high risk of fraud.
Rental Apartment Fraud
Another popular method is renting out apartments that do not belong to the scammers. Scammers rent an apartment for a short term and then sublet it to several tenants at once, taking a deposit from each. As a result, the victims are left without housing and money.
There are also schemes involving document forgery. Scammers may use fake passports, fictitious powers of attorney, or alter information in title documents.
How to Verify the Landlord's Good Faith:
- Request original property documents.
- Verify the owner's passport with an extract from the Russian Register.
- If possible, contact the owner through the management company or neighbors.
If the landlord cannot confirm ownership, avoids providing documents, or uses forged papers, the transaction should not be concluded.
How to Recognize Scammers When Renting
To avoid losses, it is important to be able to identify signs of fraud and verify information about the property and owner.
Signs of Possible Fraud:
- Attempt to conclude a deal without a written contract.
- Pressure to expedite the money transfer.
- Persuasion to make a deposit before viewing the apartment.
- Use of fake contacts, lack of transparency in communication.
Precautionary Measures:
- Personal inspection of the property before signing the contract;
- Verification of property documents and owner identity;
- Searching for information about the landlord and their contact details online;
- Signing a written contract with clear terms.
Additionally, you can consult a notary who will verify the authenticity of the documents and notarize the transaction, which will help avoid risks.
Deposit Fraud for an Apartment
One of the most common schemes is demanding prepayment. Under the pretext of high demand, scammers persuade potential tenants to transfer money for booking. After receiving the funds, the scammers stop communicating.
How to Avoid Financial Losses:
- Do not send money without signing an official contract;
- Use secure payment methods (bank safe deposit box, notarial deposit);
- Agree on refund conditions in case of deal cancellation.
Be wary if the landlord asks to transfer money to a third party's card, uses anonymous payment systems, or avoids personal meetings.
Additional Fraud Schemes
In addition to the main fraud methods, there are other schemes that can lead to financial losses.
- Renting out property without the owner's consent. For example, a dishonest tenant sublets the property while the owner is away.
- Fictitious agencies. Fake realtors create bogus firms, take prepayments for “finding options,” but do not provide real services.
- Renting without payment. Scammers move into an apartment using fake documents and stop paying, forcing the owner to resolve the issue through court.
- Ads for free rent. Under the guise of charity, scammers demand payment for document processing or a security deposit.
- Changing the contract terms. The text may contain hidden fees, penalties for termination, and other unfavorable clauses.
How to Minimize Risks When Renting
To avoid fraud, it is important to follow several rules:
- Verify the landlord and title documents;
- Do not transfer money before signing the contract and confirming ownership rights;
- Sign only written contracts with clear rental and payment terms;
- Research reviews about the owner and agency if the transaction is through an intermediary;
- Beware of prices that are too low, as this may be a sign of deception.
If the landlord or agency raises doubts, it is better to refuse the deal and look for other options.
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