Dream flat, deposit before the viewing

A cheap flat, the 'landlord' is abroad. Keys will arrive by courier as soon as the deposit is transferred or placed with a fake escrow service. The flat does not exist or belongs to someone else.

Warning signs

  • No viewing possible
  • Landlord supposedly abroad
  • Payment to an 'escrow service' by transfer
  • Listing photos taken from other ads

What to do

Ask your bank for a recall right away, file a report and flag the listing on the platform.

Source: Betrug bei Wohnungssuche: Kaution gezahlt, Wohnung weg