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Fraudulent activities have become increasingly common on property listing platforms, where scammers use appealing advertisements to target potential renters and buyers. Being informed can help you avoid becoming a victim.

Consider an enticing offer: A charming residence in the heart of Riga, near the Daugava River with excellent shopping nearby. The advertisement claims a spacious 85-square-meter apartment available at an attractively low rent. However, appearances can be deceiving.

Common Fraud Tactics:

• Advance Payment Scams: You might be asked to pay a deposit before even viewing the property. The supposed landlord, often claiming to be abroad, may request the transfer via a suspicious link. These properties might not exist at all, and any payments made could be lost forever.
• Phishing Attempts: Scammers may also try to acquire personal information such as passwords and banking details through fake property listings. They lure potential renters or buyers into visiting phishing websites that mimic legitimate property platforms.

• Too Good to Be True: Always be wary of offers that seem overly favorable. If the rent or selling price is significantly below market value, proceed with caution.
• Verify Identity: Confirm the identity of the person or company listing the property. Genuine landlords will typically allow or insist on property viewings and face-to-face interactions.
• Secure Transactions: Avoid making any payments before verifying the legitimacy of the listing. Use known and secure payment methods and platforms that offer buyer protection.
• Be Observant: Watch for poor grammar or out-of-context responses, which can be indicators of scams. Verify the website's URL before entering any personal information.