Police appeal to the public! Don’t let yourself be scammed! Criminals change and modify their methods to extort money for rent and deposits. To do this, offenders use websites where they post attractive offers. After receiving the money, they cut off contact.

How do scammers using the “rental apartment” method operate?

They very often use websites where they offer attractive apartments at highly favorable prices. In their listings, they present themselves as owners or agents, while in reality they have no rights to the property and are simply trying to extort money from interested tenants. When a potential tenant contacts the scammer, they receive a request to pay a reservation fee, deposit, or the first month’s rent in advance. Once the money is transferred, contact with the scammer ends.

Sometimes scammers also offer apartments for rent that they themselves previously rented for a few days. They present the property in the online listing as their own and invite people to view it. Very often, these are apartments whose key-box code they provide, meaning the victim never even has direct contact with the offender. After viewing the property, victims pay a deposit, and contact ends in this case too. Sometimes scammers also arrange to sign an agreement, but before that happens they demand security in the form of a deposit. They disappear after receiving that payment as well.

How can you avoid being scammed when renting an apartment?

  • When looking for an apartment to rent, use the help of trusted real-estate agents, and if searching independently, use verified websites or online groups,
  • Be cautious when you see exceptionally attractive listings in which the rental price for an apartment or room is significantly lower than current market prices,
  • Do not decide to rent a property based only on information or photographs sent to you. It is best to see the apartment in person before completing the formalities,
  • Do not give in to time pressure! Scammers very often create a sense of urgency, force people to make immediate decisions, or demand quick advance payments supposedly guaranteeing that the apartment will be “booked.” Criminals know perfectly well that if their victim acts in haste and under stress, they can manipulate them more easily,
  • Consult trusted people about the decision to rent an apartment and the terms of the rental, and do not be afraid to seek legal advice as well,
  • Under no circumstances should you send strangers photographs, scans, or photocopies of your identity documents or confidential data (personal details, age, PESEL number, etc.). We do not know who is on the other side of the screen or what they may use the personal data for,
  • Do not transfer money to strangers, make BLIK payments for them, or hand over cash. Settle financial matters related to the rental only after completing all formalities, against a written receipt and preferably in the presence of witnesses,
  • Carefully verify who owns the property. For example, when verifying the seller’s identity, ask to see their identity card. Demand documents confirming the legal title to the property. Check the land and mortgage register. Verify all deeds of gift and sales agreements. If the person you are speaking with is not the owner, check that they have an appropriate power of attorney from the owner. Check the documents used by the owner of the apartment or room,
  • If you fall victim to scammers or dishonest landlords, report the matter immediately to the nearest police unit.