--- title: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract — Cape Verde Scam Alert description: Active scam alert: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract is targeting immigrants in Cape Verde. How it works, red flags, and how to protect yourself. image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone 🇨🇻 RENTAL DEPOSIT BEFORE VIEWING OR CONTRACT MediumHousing FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read9 reported cases Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗ [https://ease.gov.cv/] Safety guidance, not emergency support If you are in immediate danger or have already lost money, contact local emergency services, your bank, and the official fraud reporting channel in the destination country. MigrantIQ provides general safety guidance. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] HOW THIS SCAM WORKS WHAT IS THE RENTAL DEPOSIT SCAM IN CAPE VERDE? In Cape Verde, a prevalent housing scam targets newcomers, including students, families, and remote workers. Scammers advertise attractive rental properties online, often using appealing images and low prices to entice potential tenants. They typically pressure newcomers to send a rental deposit before they have even viewed the property, claiming it is necessary to secure the lease. After the deposit is transferred, these scammers will vanish, leaving victims with no property and no recourse. Victims receive fake leases or property photos, making it difficult to distinguish the scam from legitimate offers. HOW DO I RECOGNIZE THIS SCAM? The fraudulent nature of these offers can be subtle at first glance. Scammers often create convincing listings that appear legitimate. However, they usually refuse to allow potential renters to view the property in person or via video call. This is a significant red flag, as legitimate landlords will typically encourage visits. If something seems off about the rental process, it is wise to proceed with caution. Many newcomers fall prey to these scams due to unfamiliarity with the local market. WHO IS AFFECTED BY THESE SCAMS IN CAPE VERDE? Students, families, and remote workers are particularly vulnerable to rental deposit scams. These groups often require quick housing solutions and may not have the time or resources to thoroughly investigate rental offers. New arrivals to Cape Verde might not have local contacts or knowledge to help identify trustworthy landlords or rental agencies. This gap in awareness further increases their risk of falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. RED FLAGS * Landlord refuses live video viewing or in-person viewing * Rent is far below normal market prices * Deposit must be wired before a signed contract * Photos appear on multiple unrelated listings HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF To protect yourself from rental deposit scams in Cape Verde, always use reputable rental platforms that are well-known in the area. Always verify the property address against official listings and request a written contract before sending any money. Avoid paying large deposits until you have confirmed that the landlord or agency is legitimate. Make sure to meet in person or conduct a live video viewing of the property before any transactions take place. This can significantly reduce the risk of scams. WHAT TO DO IF TARGETED * - Stop communication and do not send more money or documents * - Save messages, receipts, contracts, profile links, and phone numbers * - Contact your bank or payment provider if money was sent * - Report through official fraud, police, or immigration channels Official reporting channel → [https://ease.gov.cv/] PREVENTION TIPS * - Only pay government fees through official portals * - Do not trust guaranteed visa approvals or secret appointment slots * - Verify employer, school, agent, or landlord identities independently * - Avoid personal-account transfers and pressure tactics EMERGENCY & REPORTING CONTACTS If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If money was sent, contact your bank/payment provider and official fraud reporting channels. SOURCES & REFERENCES * MigrantIQ scam alert record Published 2026-05-07. * Cape Verde official reporting channels [https://ease.gov.cv/] Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money. WHO IS TARGETED studentsfamiliesnew arrivalsremote workers Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. SCAM SAFETY FAQ SHOULD I PAY ANY FEE BEFORE MY VISA IS APPROVED? Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome. HOW DO I REPORT A SUSPICIOUS OFFER? Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community. Advertisement300 × 250AdSense zone MORE ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/cabo-verde/document-translation-notary-overcharge/] * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/cabo-verde/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/] * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/cabo-verde/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/] * Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee [/scam-alerts/cabo-verde/fake-job-offer-work-permit-fee/] CONTINUE * All Cape Verde alerts [/scam-alerts/cabo-verde/] * Global hub [/scam-alerts/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. 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Scammers advertise attractive rental properties online, often using appealing images and low prices to entice potential tenants. They typically pressure newcomers to send a rental deposit before they have even viewed the property, claiming it is necessary to secure the lease. After the deposit is transferred, these scammers will vanish, leaving victims with no property and no recourse. Victims receive fake leases or property photos, making it difficult to distinguish the scam from legitimate offers.\n\n## How do I recognize this scam?\n\nThe fraudulent nature of these offers can be subtle at first glance. Scammers often create convincing listings that appear legitimate. However, they usually refuse to allow potential renters to view the property in person or via video call. This is a significant red flag, as legitimate landlords will typically encourage visits. If something seems off about the rental process, it is wise to proceed with caution. 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