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🇬🇷 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 ↗

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 →

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
Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money.

Who is targeted

studentsfamiliesnew arrivalsremote workers

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Scam safety FAQ

Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome.

Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community.