Rental scams: the apartment that was never for rent

HOW IT WORKS A scammer lists an apartment at an attractive price — often below market — with beautiful photos. They cannot show it: 'I'm abroad', 'work keeps me away'. They ask for a deposit and first month's rent by wire transfer or crypto to 'hold' the apartment. After payment, they disappear. Sometimes the photos are of a real apartment that was never for rent. RED FLAGS - The landlord cannot show the apartment in person or by video call. - Deposit and first month demanded before you see the property. - Payment by wire transfer, crypto or gift cards. - The price is noticeably below similar listings. - The 'landlord' is always abroad and only communicates by email or messaging apps. - Pressure: 'three other people want it'. WHAT TO DO - Never pay before seeing the property in person or on a live video walkthrough. - Verify the owner: ask for proof of ownership (tax record, utility bill). - Search the address and the photos on SCAMEND and on image search. - Use registered rental platforms with built-in protections. - Report fake listings to the platform and to the police. REMEMBER A deposit paid before seeing the apartment is a donation to a stranger. See it, verify it, then pay.