Apartment scams in Barcelona; unfortunately expats can be the main target for scammers in Barcelona. Our latest article can help you to recognise and avoid apartment scams.
Apartment scams in Barcelona
Scammers posing as landlords
Just by searching for “apartments for rent in Barcelona”, you’ll come across illegitimate apartment adverts without even knowing it. The advert will probably seem normal, with photos of the interior and exterior, but the scammer will have simply taken those from another advert elsewhere. The first warning sign is if the price of the apartment is unusually low. That’s not to say that it’s fake, but one indicator is that “if something is too good to be true, then it usually is”.
How to avoid this scam
- If the apartment owner is only accessible by email or is based outside of Barcelona, be careful. Meeting face-to-face in Barcelona is essential.
- A scammer will try and pile on the pressure for example, by saying that many people are interested in the apartment advert but they are keeping it open especially for you.
- A scammer will ask you to pay the deposit upfront. Some agencies allow this, but the agency holds the funds between client and owner so the lister of the apartment cannot run away with the money — Check agency reviews or Google to see if they can really be trusted.
- Some landlords can elevate the price of a room/apartment to try and get a lot more money out of you. If you're doubting the monthly cost of an apartment, you can always check the Housing Agency of Catalonia to find out the average prices in your neighbourhood and ensure you aren't being scammed out of too much money.
Phishing
Phishing means to fish for personal information, usually in an attempt to get money or commit fraud as a person. Phishing usually consists of replicating the appearance of a well-known website in order to get you to think that you are reserving an apartment, when in fact you’re just passing them your sensitive personal information through the fake booking form. However, anyone could pretend they have an apartment to rent, via Facebook or email, and ask for you to send them details to make a payment. You should be cautious of giving any information, not just credit card details.
How to avoid phishing
- Verify the identity of the website you are using.
- Don't enter personal information on a website sent to you via a link in an email/messenger.
- Keep your computer's security and browser up to date.
How to report apartment scams in Barcelona
If you’ve identified an apartment scam, try to gather as much information as possible on the person behind the scam. Always keep your correspondences, such as email and messages. Take screenshots of any advert or Facebook posts they may have made, or anything that could later be deleted.
- Always ask the landlord for everything in writing, and insist on seeing the reservation contract.
- Ask for a receipt on any payments that you make.
- File a police report at any police station or you can send an email to fraudeinternet@policia.es.
- Let the website or agency where you found the fraudulent advert know so that they can act on it.
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