Future tenants, how to avoid housing scams?

Housing scams are on the increase on the Internet. While the damage to victims can run into hundreds or even thousands of euros, it is possible to detect them before it's too late. We explain how to spot false ads and phantom leases, and how to react in the event of a rental scam.

The different types of housing scams

Housing scams generally have two objectives. They may try to get money out of you. They may also try to obtain a copy of your identity papers (passport, tax return, proof of address, bank statement, etc.) to use fraudulently.

Ill-intentioned people have no shortage of imagination when it comes to achieving their ends. They have set up several types of accommodation scam. They apply to both seasonal and long-term rentals.

Good to know : rental scams are particularly prevalent in the case of small apartments (studios, two-bedrooms). Students, who are often forced to look for accommodation in a hurry in a highly competitive market, are also a favorite target for scammers.

False real estate advertisements

The scammer posts a fake ad on a real estate website. The property offered for rent does not exist. When you contact the so-called owner, he asks you to send him your rental file or a sum of money in order to "reserve the property" or to ensure that you are "a serious candidate". Once you've made the transfer or submitted your documents, you never hear from them again.

The phantom lease scam

Some scammers rent out properties they don't actually own. They publish an advertisement, renting an apartment on a seasonal rental platform for a day or two, just long enough for their victims to visit the property. After the visit, they ask you to pay the deposit and the first rent. Some even make you sign a lease and hand over the keys. Once the money has been paid, you can't contact the owner again. And then you realize that the keys don't open any doors!

Five tips to protect yourself against housing and rental scams

There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself from rental scams when you're looking for a property, visiting a property or putting together a file.

Learn to spot fake ads

When you see an advert that interests you, investigate it to make sure it's a genuine rental and not a scam.

First, make sure that the rent is in line with the market. A price that's too low is usually a sign of a fake ad.

Then check that the photos of the property are not being used elsewhere (holiday rental site, decorating blog, ad for an apartment for sale in another town, etc.). You can do a reverse image search on Google.

Finally, find out more about the intermediary or owner. Choose websites and agencies with a strong reputation. Have you spotted an ad on an unfamiliar platform? Read the reviews left by former customers on TrustPilot or Google. You can also consult sites like Societe.com or the business directory free of charge to gather official information (SIRET number, length of service, sales figures). Is the owner a private individual? Look up the owner's name on the web to check that he or she is who he or she claims to be.

Take your time

To prevent you from thinking things through and making the usual checks, scammers will urge you to send them your rental file or money. They always have a good excuse for doing so. Whatever the arguments, take your time. Don't send any documents until you're sure the ad is serious, and don't pay anything until you've visited the property and signed the rental contract.

An impatient landlord who doesn't want you to miss out on a good deal, or who suddenly needs to go away and has to sign the lease in a hurry before leaving, should alert you.

Be vigilant during the visit

Certain details during the visit may indicate that the property is actually a seasonal rental. This is the case, for example, if you see a key box in the entrance hall. If there's a concierge in the building, come back and talk to her in the owner's absence. She'll be able to tell you more about the apartment.

Also, beware if the person showing you around is not the owner, but his brother, cousin or a friend, as the owner "lives abroad". This is a good way for scammers to explain their lack of knowledge about the property.

If in doubt, ask to see the property tax notice. This will ensure that you're dealing with the real owner.

Use a secure payment method

Pay your deposit, first month's rent or agency fees by check or bank transfer. Refuse cash orders (Western Union, MoneyGram) or prepaid cards (Transcash, PCF, Veritas, Neosurf, etc.). These payment methods cannot be traced back to the beneficiary, and are very popular with crooks.

Protect your documents

When you send your rental file to the landlord, send only the necessary documents. Landlords don't need photo IDs or bank statements.

To avoid fraudulent use, mark your documents with the words "Rental file dated 01/01/2025". You can do this either manually or via this government website.

What to do in the event of a housing scam?

The first thing to do when you suspect a housing scam is to cease all contact with the landlord, even if he or she follows up and becomes insistent.

If you spot the scam on a real estate site such as Leboncoin, Pap or Seloger, report it to the site administrator. Also report the ad to the online crime-fighting platform THÉSÉE.

Have you discovered the scam after submitting your rental application or making a payment? It's not too late to take action. If you've made a transfer or sent a cheque, stop payment at your bank. If you notify them quickly, they'll be able to block the transfer.

Finally, lodge a complaint with the police or gendarmerie. You can do this at a police station or online.

In a nutshell

The aim of a housing scam is to cheat you out of money or official documents. It can take the form of a false advertisement or a fake apartment visit. You can protect yourself by being vigilant in your search and visits. If you realize afterwards that you've been the victim of a scam, contact your bank to cancel the transaction and lodge a complaint with the police.