Warnings Issued on a Trick Involving Decoy Locked Boxes Used in Thefts
Warning Issued Over Suspicious Apartment Rental Scheme
In a recent development, the police have issued a warning to potential renters about a suspicious apartment rental scheme that has been circulating.
The scheme, which involves renting apartments and subsequently disappearing with the money, has been identified through several reports. Unknown perpetrators offer apartments via email, posing as landlords, and direct interested parties to a professionally fake website for booking.
The website, designed to appear professional and legitimate, requires personal data before viewing the apartments. Rental agreements and payment requests for rent, security deposit, or furniture are sent via email. However, despite payments (several thousand euros), keys and apartments are not provided, and the supposed landlords become unreachable after the transfer.
The police advise against disclosing personal data for an apartment listing without verification. They also recommend being critical, especially for offers of freshly renovated apartments in good locations at favorable prices. Caution is advised if no landlord or real estate agent is present at the viewing, and the police advise against transferring money without verifying the identity of the apartment provider.
To avoid falling victim to such schemes, the police suggest taking the following precautions:
- Verify the identity of the apartment provider.
- Be sceptical of offers that seem too good to be true, such as freshly renovated apartments in good locations at favorable prices.
- Do not disclose personal data for an apartment listing that seems suspicious.
- Do not blindly trust apartment providers.
- Do not transfer money for an apartment listing that seems suspicious.
- If possible, view the apartment with a landlord or real estate agent present.
- Research the property and the landlord or real estate agency before committing to a rental agreement.
In a new approach to traditional rental apartment searches, a service called mipadoo questions the status quo. It provides potential renters with rental offers by using AI to analyze preferences and a personal agent to apply and coordinate viewings, effectively mediating between renters and available apartments. This service could potentially offer a safer and more efficient way to find a rental property.
As always, it is essential to prioritise safety and due diligence when renting a property. If you have any concerns or suspect a scam, contact your local police force immediately.
