How to Identify and Avoid Rental Scams

Rental scams are more common than you think, but with the right knowledge you can protect yourself. Here we show you how to identify and avoid them.

The Most Common Scams

1. The “Landlord Abroad”

How it works: The scammer claims to be out of the country (work, family, etc.) and can’t show the property in person. They ask for a deposit or advance payment to “reserve” the flat, promising to send the keys by mail.

Warning signs:

• Refuses to do a video call showing the property
• Asks for money before you see the flat
• Elaborate story about why they’re abroad
• Communication only via email or WhatsApp
• Suspiciously low prices

How to avoid it: NEVER pay without seeing the property in person and verifying the real owner’s identity.

2. Fake Listings with Stolen Photos

How it works: Scammers copy photos from legitimate listings or real estate websites and publish them as their own, often at very attractive prices.

Warning signs:

• Professional photos but very low price
• Lack of interior photos or specific details
• Photos don’t match the description
• Refuses to provide more photos or video

How to avoid it:

• Do a reverse image search on Google
• Ask for specific additional photos (e.g., “photo of the bathroom with today’s newspaper”)
• Compare with other properties in the area

3. Fake Deposits

How it works: The scammer asks for a “refundable” deposit to secure the flat, then disappears with your money.

Warning signs:

• Pressure to pay quickly
• Asks for bank transfer or Western Union
• Doesn’t provide an official receipt
• Avoids meeting in person
• Doesn’t have a formal contract ready

How to avoid it:

• Only pay deposits after signing a contract
• Use traceable payment methods
• Verify that the person is actually the owner
• Demand official receipts

4. Impersonation of Real Estate Agencies

How it works: The scammer pretends to be from a legitimate agency, using a fake website or forged documentation.

Warning signs:

• Website with errors or unprofessional appearance
• Free domain email (gmail, hotmail) instead of corporate domain
• They don’t have a physical office or refuse to meet there
• Unusual commission fees

How to avoid it:

• Verify the agency in official registers
• Call the office directly using the number from their official website
• Visit the physical office
• Look for online reviews

5. The “Temporary Tenant”

How it works: Someone who isn’t actually the owner (may even be a temporary tenant) shows the flat and collects deposits from multiple people.

Warning signs:

• Can’t show ownership documentation
• Acts nervous or rushed during the visit
• Provides inconsistent information
• Asks for cash only

How to avoid it:

• Demand to see documents proving ownership or authorization to rent
• Verify identity against official documents
• Contact the owner directly if possible

Protection: Your Verification Checklist

Before paying any money, make sure you have:

• Identity Verification

• Seen the owner’s or agent’s ID

• Verified it matches property records

• Had a video call with the person

• Property Verification

• Visited the flat in person

• Seen multiple rooms and areas

• The flat matches photos and description

• Confirmed the address exists

• Proper Documentation

• Formal and complete lease agreement

• Official receipts for all payments

• Copy of property documents

• Verifiable contact information

• Secure Payments

• Traceable payment method (NOT Western Union or cash)

• Payments only after signing a contract

• Receipts for each transaction

• Never paid to foreign accounts

How to Verify Legitimacy

Check the Owner

1. Search their name on Google
2. Verify identity documents
3. Check that they appear in the property register (Registro de la Propiedad)
4. Ask neighbors if they know them

Check the Property

1. Visit during the day
2. Talk to neighbors
3. Verify the address exists on Google Maps
4. Compare the price with similar properties in the area
5. Search the address online to see if it appears in multiple listings

Check the Offer

• Is the price realistic for the area?
• Is the description detailed and specific?
• Are there multiple quality photos?
• Does the person answer specific questions clearly?

Definitive Red Flags

Run (literally) if:

• They ask for money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency
• They “need” the deposit TODAY or you’ll “lose” the flat
• They categorically refuse to meet in person
• The offer is “too good to be true”
• They copy and paste generic responses
• Serious grammatical errors or obvious machine translation
• Email or WhatsApp is their ONLY form of contact

If You’ve Been Scammed

1. Don’t be ashamed - it happens to smart people
2. Contact your bank immediately
3. Report to the police (formal complaint)
4. Report on Roomio so we can block the scammer
5. Document everything (emails, messages, transfers)
6. Warn others by sharing your experience

Useful Resources:

• National Police: 091
• Victim Assistance Office: 900 822 017
• National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE): 017
• Consumer Organization (OCU): www.ocu.org

Final Safety Tips

1. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is
2. Take your time - rushed decisions lead to mistakes
3. Never pay in advance without a contract and verification
4. Document everything - screenshots, emails, messages
5. Do your research - 30 minutes of investigation can save you thousands of euros
6. Use trusted platforms like Roomio that verify users
7. Talk to others - ask friends or family for a second opinion

How Roomio Protects You

At Roomio, we actively work to protect you:

• Optional identity verification
• 24/7 reporting and moderation system
• Safety guides and education
• We don’t allow off-platform transactions in early stages
• Dedicated security team

Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Patience and caution are your best allies.

Suspicious behavior? Report it: seguridad@roomio.com

Your safety is our priority.