Klaipėda resident left without money and flat: police warn of rental scams
A man paid for a flat he had only seen in an advertisement, but the landlord disappeared. Officers warn of increased fraud risks linked to the rental market during summer.
Klaipėda resident left without money and flat: police warn of rental scams
A Klaipėda resident lost both money and the opportunity to settle – he paid for a flat he intended to rent based on an online advertisement, but the landlord vanished. Kauno diena was informed of this case by the Klaipėda district police.
The victim transferred the money, but never received the agreed flat. He was unable to make contact with the person who had posted the advertisement.
Police emphasise that this is only a small part of the problem. As the holiday season approaches, the number of fraudsters luring people with non-existent or properties belonging to other people could increase.
Officers point to three warning signs that should prompt caution:
- Price below market level. If a luxurious flat in a prestigious location is offered for considerably less than usual, that is the first signal that fraud may be planned.
- Pressure to hurry. Fraudsters often pressure people by claiming others are already waiting in line, so a deposit must be transferred immediately.
- Reluctance to communicate directly. Refusal to meet in person, show the premises, or even show the rental property via video call should raise serious suspicion.
Before transferring money, a person should check whether the stated address actually exists (for example, using map applications), whether the photographs have not been taken from other websites, and search for information about the landlord using his telephone number or name.
"Never pay the full amount blindly," warn police.
If you are nevertheless deceived, officers urge you to contact the portal www.epolicija.lt without delay or call 112.
Source: Google News LT — Crime (lt)