Alert: Deceptive key-safe fraud detected by authorities
In recent times, a concerning trend of apartment scams has been on the rise in our city. The police have issued a series of warnings to help apartment seekers avoid falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
Firstly, it's essential to be wary of landlords who become unreachable after payment has been made. Legitimate landlords or real estate agents will always be available to answer queries and provide assistance.
Secondly, be cautious of apartment offers that come via email after booking through a fake website. These scams often involve offers for apartments that do not exist or are not accessible after payment.
When considering a private apartment viewing, be aware that interested parties may be required to provide personal data. However, it's important to remember that no legitimate landlord or real estate agent should ask for sensitive information upfront.
Upon deciding to rent an apartment, the rental agreement and payment requests are usually sent via email. But, it's crucial to verify the legitimacy of the apartment listing before making any payments or providing personal data.
The police advise against offers for apartments that seem too good to be true, such as those in good locations at cheap prices. Be critical when offered freshly renovated apartments in such locations, as they may be part of a scam.
In some cases, the key to the apartment is located in a key box near the property. However, this practice should raise red flags, as legitimate landlords or real estate agents will typically be present during the viewing or hand over the keys in person.
The police warn against apartment offers that do not have a landlord or real estate agent present at the viewing. Caution is advised if no landlord or real estate agent can be present at the viewing, as this could be a sign of a scam.
Do not trust providers blindly when looking for an apartment. Do your research, and find out who you are dealing with. If an apartment listing seems suspicious, do not transfer money or give out personal data.
It's also important to note that the "unknown tenants" who rent apartments in the city and then offer them to apartment seekers via email may be involved in intermediaries or unofficial subletting. These practices, often arising from the housing shortage and high demand for rental properties in cities, should be approached with caution.
Lastly, remember that if an apartment offer does not have a clear landlord or real estate agent associated with it, it's best to avoid it. The police advise against offers for apartments that do not have a landlord or real estate agent present in the search results.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can help protect yourself from apartment scams and ensure a smooth and secure rental process.
