--- title: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract — Paraguay Scam Alert description: Active scam alert: Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract is targeting immigrants in Paraguay. 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 read7 reported cases Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗ [https://www.migraciones.gov.py/] 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 In Paraguay, a concerning scam targets newcomers seeking rental housing. Scammers create attractive listings for fake apartments, often featuring low rental prices to lure potential tenants. They frequently pressure individuals to pay a deposit before anyone has the chance to view the property or sign an official lease. After the payment is made, the scammers vanish, leaving their victims with nothing but a fake lease and possibly stolen photos of the property. New arrivals, students, families, and remote workers are particularly vulnerable to this type of fraud, as they may be unfamiliar with the local housing market and rental procedures. WHAT SHOULD NEWCOMERS KNOW ABOUT RENTAL SCAMS IN PARAGUAY? It's important for newcomers to understand that legitimate landlords and agencies usually allow property viewings before any payment is made. If a landlord insists on a deposit prior to viewing, it's a strong indication of a scam. HOW CAN RENTERS PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM THESE SCAMS? To safeguard against rental fraud, prospective tenants should always use reputable housing platforms, verify property addresses, and request a written contract. avoid transferring large sums as deposits before ensuring the landlord or agency is credible. WHO IS AT RISK OF FALLING FOR RENTAL SCAMS? Students, families, newcomers, and remote workers are often the primary targets for these scams due to their need for quick housing solutions and potential lack of local knowledge. Being informed about these tactics can help avoid falling victim to such scams. RED FLAGS * Landlord refuses live video viewing or in-person viewing * Rent is significantly lower than average market prices * Deposit must be wired before a signed contract * Photos appear on multiple unrelated listings * Landlord uses generic email addresses or unverified phone numbers HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF To protect yourself from rental fraud in Paraguay, always use established rental platforms and conduct thorough research on the property. Verify the address through local resources or ask for a live video walkthrough of the apartment. Make sure to demand a written contract before any payment. Avoid sending deposits unless you have confirmed the legitimacy of the landlord or agency. Be cautious with any request for payment before viewing the property. 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://www.migraciones.gov.py/] 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. * Paraguay official reporting channels [https://www.migraciones.gov.py/] 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/paraguay/document-translation-notary-overcharge/] * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/paraguay/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/] * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/paraguay/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/] * Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee [/scam-alerts/paraguay/fake-job-offer-work-permit-fee/] CONTINUE * All Paraguay alerts [/scam-alerts/paraguay/] * Global hub [/scam-alerts/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Scam Alerts","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Paraguay","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/paraguay/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/paraguay/rental-deposit-before-viewing/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/paraguay/rental-deposit-before-viewing/#article","headline":"Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract in Paraguay: How to Spot and Avoid It","description":"In Paraguay, a concerning scam targets newcomers seeking rental housing. Scammers create attractive listings for fake apartments, often featuring low rental prices to lure potential tenants. They frequently pressure individuals to pay a deposit before anyone has the chance to view the property or sign an official lease. After the payment is made, the scammers vanish, leaving their victims with nothing but a fake lease and possibly stolen photos of the property. New arrivals, students, families, and remote workers are particularly vulnerable to this type of fraud, as they may be unfamiliar with the local housing market and rental procedures.\n\n## What should newcomers know about rental scams in Paraguay?\n\nIt's important for newcomers to understand that legitimate landlords and agencies usually allow property viewings before any payment is made. If a landlord insists on a deposit prior to viewing, it's a strong indication of a scam.\n\n## How can renters protect themselves from these scams?\n\nTo safeguard against rental fraud, prospective tenants should always use reputable housing platforms, verify property addresses, and request a written contract. avoid transferring large sums as deposits before ensuring the landlord or agency is credible.\n\n## Who is at risk of falling for rental scams?\n\nStudents, families, newcomers, and remote workers are often the primary targets for these scams due to their need for quick housing solutions and potential lack of local knowledge. 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