--- title: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract — Greece Scam Alert description: Active scam alert: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract is targeting immigrants in Greece. 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://migration.gov.gr/en/] 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 GREECE? In Greece, a prevalent scam targets newcomers, students, families, and remote workers looking for housing. Scammers advertise fake apartments, often using attractive photos and low prices to lure potential renters. They pressure individuals to transfer a deposit before allowing any viewing of the property or signing a contract. After receiving the deposit, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim without a place to stay and out of pocket. These scams exploit the urgency many newcomers feel when searching for accommodation in a new country. HOW CAN YOU IDENTIFY RENTAL SCAMS? Scammers often create a sense of urgency, insisting that a deposit must be paid immediately to secure the apartment. They may provide a fake lease or use property photos copied from legitimate listings. You should be cautious and conduct thorough checks before making any financial commitments. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A RENTAL SCAM? If you suspect you are dealing with a scam, you should report it to local authorities and seek assistance from consumer protection agencies. Always trust your instincts and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Understanding the common tactics used by scammers can help you avoid falling victim to their 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 avoid falling for rental scams in Greece, always use reputable platforms for your property search. Verify the property address through official channels and request a written contract before making any payments. Never pay large deposits before confirming the legitimacy of the landlord or agency. Conduct in-person visits or live video viewings to ensure the property exists as advertised. Trust your instincts and be cautious regarding any deal that seems suspicious. 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://migration.gov.gr/en/] 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. * Greece official reporting channels [https://migration.gov.gr/en/] 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/greece/document-translation-notary-overcharge/] * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/greece/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/] * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/greece/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/] * Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee [/scam-alerts/greece/fake-job-offer-work-permit-fee/] CONTINUE * All Greece alerts [/scam-alerts/greece/] * 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 fake apartments, often using attractive photos and low prices to lure potential renters. They pressure individuals to transfer a deposit before allowing any viewing of the property or signing a contract. After receiving the deposit, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim without a place to stay and out of pocket. These scams exploit the urgency many newcomers feel when searching for accommodation in a new country.\n\n### How Can You Identify Rental Scams?\n\nScammers often create a sense of urgency, insisting that a deposit must be paid immediately to secure the apartment. They may provide a fake lease or use property photos copied from legitimate listings. You should be cautious and conduct thorough checks before making any financial commitments.\n\n### What Should You Do if You Encounter a Rental Scam?\n\nIf you suspect you are dealing with a scam, you should report it to local authorities and seek assistance from consumer protection agencies. Always trust your instincts and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. 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