guardia civil warning rental property scams canaries

Guardia Civil Issues Warning on Rising Rental Scams

Guardia Civil Warns of Surge in Rental Property Scams

The Guardia Civil has issued a series of recommendations to help the public avoid falling victim to rental property scams. High demand for rentals coupled with a shortage of available properties is creating an environment where fraudsters are exploiting the need and vulnerability of people searching for a suitable home.

How to Spot a Fraudulent Listing

The law enforcement agency advises being wary of any advertisement where the sale or rental price is suspiciously low, as these are the ones that most attract attention. Furthermore, if the advertiser is an agency, request their full details (address, telephone number, website). If it is a private individual, ask for the owner’s details and contact them directly.

It is also recommended to use search engines to investigate the information provided by the advertiser. This is important because, on occasion, other users who have been deceived share their experiences online after being scammed.

Essential Checks Before You Pay

Potential tenants should scrutinise all photographs in detail: if there are few photos, they are of poor quality, or even appear stolen from other websites, it is a clear indication that the accommodation may be fake. Therefore, the Guardia Civil strongly recommends visiting the property in person.

Above all, it is not advisable to pay any money upfront if sufficient guarantees are not in place. Be suspicious of advertisers who demand rapid payment and, before making any bank transfer, ensure the advertiser offers adequate safeguards.

Protect Yourself and Report Fraud

The Guardia Civil also recommends keeping all messages sent and received, as well as all information relating to the person you are negotiating with and all their contact details. Finally, request from the advertiser a photocopy of their National Identity Document (DNI) and a brief written commitment to a contract showing the dates, price, and any potential deposit.

The public is reminded that they can report certain crimes online, completely and without needing to visit an official station. This includes five criminal procedures—computer fraud such as fraudulent bank card charges or other electronic payment methods, criminal damage, theft, vehicle theft, and theft from inside a vehicle—and two administrative procedures: loss or misplacement of documentation and locating documentation.

To do this, the Guardia Civil indicates that these actions can be carried out through its Electronic Office or website. However, those who do not have access to these means can request to file a report by telephone or in person at their local Guardia Civil station. It can also be requested via the AGE Appointment Booking App, available for Android and iOS systems.

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