Appartement-Rental-Scam

Based on a true story, featured on youtube ; scam story in french

1. Posting an Attractive Fake Listing
Scammers post online ads for apartments or shared accommodations at prices well below market value, often using attractive photos stolen from real‑estate agency websites. Their goal is to attract as many applicants as possible, as quickly as possible.

2. Initial Contact and Reassuring Story
The fake landlord usually claims to be traveling or living abroad, which supposedly explains why an immediate visit isn’t possible. They insist on a financial guarantee to avoid “no‑shows” or to “reserve” the property.

3. Request for Money Transfer via MoneyGram
The scammer asks the victim to send money through MoneyGram, typically under the pretext of a security deposit or reservation fee worth several thousand euros.
Sometimes they suggest sending the money in the name of a friend or relative, allegedly just to prove the applicant’s solvency, while reassuring the victim that the money will not actually be cashed. This creates a false sense of security.

4. Sending Proof of Transfer
The victim is then asked to send a photo or scan of the MoneyGram receipt, which contains the withdrawal code. That code is all the scammer needs to collect the funds, often using a fake ID or with the help of a complicit store clerk at a MoneyGram location.

5. Immediate Withdrawal and Disappearance
As soon as the scammer receives the proof, they withdraw the money—often in another country or with the aid of local accomplices. The victim never receives the keys, never visits the property, and cannot recover the money, as MoneyGram offers no guarantee or refund in such cases.

6. Variations and Additional Tricks

• Some scammers create fake websites or send counterfeit emails to make the transaction look official and to obtain the withdrawal code.
• They exploit urgency, fear of missing out on a good deal, and the victim’s credulity, urging rapid action.

Key Takeaway
Never send money via MoneyGram, Western Union, or any wire transfer to a stranger, even if the transfer is made in the name of someone you know. No legitimate landlord will ever ask for a deposit before a visit or before signing a lease.

Ymflow has extensive experience detecting fraudulent behavior. We provide free advice to the community and use our expertise to protect our clients’ interests, preventing capital loss and safeguarding their reputations.