--- title: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract — Ghana Scam Alert description: Active scam alert: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract is targeting immigrants in Ghana. 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 Safety5 min read8 reported cases Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗ [https://gis.gov.gh/] 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 HOW DOES THE RENTAL DEPOSIT BEFORE VIEWING OR CONTRACT SCAM USUALLY WORK IN GHANA? Scammers are increasingly targeting newcomers in Ghana through a rental deposit scheme that can lead to significant financial loss. HOW DOES THIS SCAM USUALLY START? Scammers typically advertise fake apartments on various online platforms, claiming they are available for rent. They often use attractive photos and low rental prices to lure potential tenants. Once a newcomer expresses interest, the scammer pressures them to transfer a deposit before they can view the property or sign a lease. This tactic creates a sense of urgency, making it difficult for the victim to think critically about the situation. WHAT RED FLAGS SHOULD NEWCOMERS WATCH FOR? One major red flag is when a landlord refuses to allow a live video viewing or an in-person visit to the property. if the rent is significantly lower than the average market prices in the area, it is likely a scam. Another warning sign is if the scammer insists that the deposit must be wired before any signed contract is presented. Lastly, if the photos of the property appear on multiple unrelated listings, this is a strong indication of fraudulent activity. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF CONTACTED? If you suspect that you are dealing with a scammer, you should cease all communication immediately and report the incident to local authorities. You can also check with the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Investment and Securities Authority for guidance on how to proceed. Protect yourself by using reputable platforms and verifying the legitimacy of any rental listings before making any payments. WHAT RED FLAGS SHOULD NEWCOMERS IN GHANA WATCH FOR? Scammers are increasingly targeting newcomers in Ghana through a rental deposit scheme that can lead to significant financial loss. HOW DOES THIS SCAM USUALLY START? Scammers typically advertise fake apartments on various online platforms, claiming they are available for rent. They often use attractive photos and low rental prices to lure potential tenants. Once a newcomer expresses interest, the scammer pressures them to transfer a deposit before they can view the property or sign a lease. This tactic creates a sense of urgency, making it difficult for the victim to think critically about the situation. WHAT RED FLAGS SHOULD NEWCOMERS WATCH FOR? One major red flag is when a landlord refuses to allow a live video viewing or an in-person visit to the property. if the rent is significantly lower than the average market prices in the area, it is likely a scam. Another warning sign is if the scammer insists that the deposit must be wired before any signed contract is presented. Lastly, if the photos of the property appear on multiple unrelated listings, this is a strong indication of fraudulent activity. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF CONTACTED? If you suspect that you are dealing with a scammer, you should cease all communication immediately and report the incident to local authorities. You can also check with the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Investment and Securities Authority for guidance on how to proceed. Protect yourself by using reputable platforms and verifying the legitimacy of any rental listings before making any payments. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE TARGETED BY THIS SCAM? Scammers are increasingly targeting newcomers in Ghana through a rental deposit scheme that can lead to significant financial loss. HOW DOES THIS SCAM USUALLY START? Scammers typically advertise fake apartments on various online platforms, claiming they are available for rent. They often use attractive photos and low rental prices to lure potential tenants. Once a newcomer expresses interest, the scammer pressures them to transfer a deposit before they can view the property or sign a lease. This tactic creates a sense of urgency, making it difficult for the victim to think critically about the situation. WHAT RED FLAGS SHOULD NEWCOMERS WATCH FOR? One major red flag is when a landlord refuses to allow a live video viewing or an in-person visit to the property. if the rent is significantly lower than the average market prices in the area, it is likely a scam. Another warning sign is if the scammer insists that the deposit must be wired before any signed contract is presented. Lastly, if the photos of the property appear on multiple unrelated listings, this is a strong indication of fraudulent activity. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF CONTACTED? If you suspect that you are dealing with a scammer, you should cease all communication immediately and report the incident to local authorities. You can also check with the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Investment and Securities Authority for guidance on how to proceed. Protect yourself by using reputable platforms and verifying the legitimacy of any rental listings before making any payments. 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 avoid falling victim to rental deposit scams in Ghana, always use reputable rental platforms and conduct thorough research on the property and landlord. Verify the property address through local resources and request a written contract before making any payments. You should avoid paying large deposits before confirming the legitimacy of the landlord or agency. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is. 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://gis.gov.gh/] 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. * Ghana official reporting channels [https://gis.gov.gh/] 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/ghana/document-translation-notary-overcharge/] * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/ghana/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/] * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/ghana/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/] * Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee [/scam-alerts/ghana/fake-job-offer-work-permit-fee/] CONTINUE * All Ghana alerts [/scam-alerts/ghana/] * Global hub [/scam-alerts/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. 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They often use attractive photos and low rental prices to lure potential tenants. Once a newcomer expresses interest, the scammer pressures them to transfer a deposit before they can view the property or sign a lease. This tactic creates a sense of urgency, making it difficult for the victim to think critically about the situation.\n\n## What red flags should newcomers watch for?\n\nOne major red flag is when a landlord refuses to allow a live video viewing or an in-person visit to the property. if the rent is significantly lower than the average market prices in the area, it is likely a scam. Another warning sign is if the scammer insists that the deposit must be wired before any signed contract is presented. Lastly, if the photos of the property appear on multiple unrelated listings, this is a strong indication of fraudulent activity.\n\n## What should you do if contacted?\n\nIf you suspect that you are dealing with a scammer, you should cease all communication immediately and report the incident to local authorities. You can also check with the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Investment and Securities Authority for guidance on how to proceed. Protect yourself by using reputable platforms and verifying the legitimacy of any rental listings before making any payments.\n\n## What red flags should newcomers in Ghana watch for?\n\nScammers are increasingly targeting newcomers in Ghana through a rental deposit scheme that can lead to significant financial loss.\n\n## How does this scam usually start?\n\nScammers typically advertise fake apartments on various online platforms, claiming they are available for rent. They often use attractive photos and low rental prices to lure potential tenants. Once a newcomer expresses interest, the scammer pressures them to transfer a deposit before they can view the property or sign a lease. This tactic creates a sense of urgency, making it difficult for the victim to think critically about the situation.\n\n## What red flags should newcomers watch for?\n\nOne major red flag is when a landlord refuses to allow a live video viewing or an in-person visit to the property. if the rent is significantly lower than the average market prices in the area, it is likely a scam. Another warning sign is if the scammer insists that the deposit must be wired before any signed contract is presented. Lastly, if the photos of the property appear on multiple unrelated listings, this is a strong indication of fraudulent activity.\n\n## What should you do if contacted?\n\nIf you suspect that you are dealing with a scammer, you should cease all communication immediately and report the incident to local authorities. You can also check with the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Investment and Securities Authority for guidance on how to proceed. Protect yourself by using reputable platforms and verifying the legitimacy of any rental listings before making any payments.\n\n## What should you do if you are targeted by this scam?\n\nScammers are increasingly targeting newcomers in Ghana through a rental deposit scheme that can lead to significant financial loss.\n\n## How does this scam usually start?\n\nScammers typically advertise fake apartments on various online platforms, claiming they are available for rent. They often use attractive photos and low rental prices to lure potential tenants. Once a newcomer expresses interest, the scammer pressures them to transfer a deposit before they can view the property or sign a lease. This tactic creates a sense of urgency, making it difficult for the victim to think critically about the situation.\n\n## What red flags should newcomers watch for?\n\nOne major red flag is when a landlord refuses to allow a live video viewing or an in-person visit to the property. if the rent is significantly lower than the average market prices in the area, it is likely a scam. Another warning sign is if the scammer insists that the deposit must be wired before any signed contract is presented. Lastly, if the photos of the property appear on multiple unrelated listings, this is a strong indication of fraudulent activity.\n\n## What should you do if contacted?\n\nIf you suspect that you are dealing with a scammer, you should cease all communication immediately and report the incident to local authorities. You can also check with the Ghana Police Service or the Ghana Investment and Securities Authority for guidance on how to proceed. 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