№1: The landlord is hiding his name
The landlord, who does not indicate his name on the booking site, should immediately raise suspicion. This is especially true when a card number is provided for a prepayment, but the real name of the recipient is not shown.
№2: Closing a transaction not through booking sites
If under the photos of the apartments instead of the name only the phone number is specified, you need to take this into consideration. Scammers tend to avoid closing the transaction through booking sites and are trying to persuade customers to get in touch directly.
№3: Phone number is not attached to any messenger
Experienced realtors always use messengers. Therefore, be sure to check if the owner of the specified number is available in Viber or WhatsApp.
№4: Newly created profile on the rental service website
Users of online rental services trust profiles that are already active for more than one month, with customer feedback and/ or site score. The newly created profile looks very odd.
№5: Too many beautiful photos
Beautiful photos of the apartment sure attract your attention. However, you can search this picture and see how many of the same photos are on the Internet. Scammers often "steal" photos of other realtors and bribe customers with a good picture. If you have a doubt, ask a realtor or an apartment owner to make some new photos of a bedroom or a balcony, maybe from a new angle - a conscientious landlord will definitely make some photos for you.
№6: A good apartment at a low price
Well-furnitured and well-located apartment just can not have a low price - apartment swindlers try to attract the attention of people in all possible ways.
№7: Few Photos
One or two photos of the apartment (or pictures of a poor-quality) should raise suspicions. If the description of the apartment suits you, ask the owner for additional photos.
№8: Free apartments in high season
Usually, during a high season, it is difficult to find not booked apartment. Therefore, if your landlord offers several decent apartments to choose from, be sure there is a catch. If you want to check it, you can ask someone from your relatives or friends to book this apartment on the same date. As a rule, in such situations, scammers are easily revealed.
№9: Ask for an advance payment on the phone or digital wallet
Advance payment of rent is the best guarantee for both parties, therefore it is not necessary to be afraid of it. Advance payment on the phone or digital wallet or paying in cash should cause suspicions. Rent services with a good reputation carry out all prepayments through their accounts, thereby guaranteeing the security of payments.
№10: Quick confirmation for a short period
Realtors have such a feature: renting for a long period of time always "wins" than the day rent. Especially this applies to too early applications to rent a house for a couple of nights - landlords always hope that during this period there may be a longer-term client. Therefore, if you quickly and without question are confirmed with the reservation for 1 night for not the nearest date, do not go for a quick deal.
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