Online rental scam in Italy

Scams online about rent is more and more common in Italy

Online rental scams have surged in Italy over the past few years, making rental fraud in Italy a pressing concern for both locals and expatriates.

• Recent data from consumer watchdogs and online reports indicate that scams and frauds are concentrated in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence and have increased by 20–30% in the last three years.

• Many scams go unreported, meaning the actual figures are likely higher (source).

As more people turn to the internet for housing, understanding how these fraudulent listings operate has never been more critical.

How to recognize rental scams

Many ads online are actually scams. The flat does not exist, and stolen information is shared to push a renter to pay the deposit in advance. Fake documents and contracts are often part of the mix.

Spotting a rent scam requires being aware of key red flags. 

Renting a flat is a very standard process, and if there are some suspicious behaviour or unjustified requests of early payments, most likely it is a scam.

Here are some common indicators of rental scam in Italy:

• Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing: If the monthly rent is significantly lower than the market average or the listing has been online for an unusually long time, it could be a trap designed to lure in desperate renters.

• Unavailable for In-Person Meetings: Scammers often make excuses to avoid showing the flat in person or even via live video calls.

• Requesting Alternative Payment Methods: Fraudsters prefer untraceable payments like cash or PayPal. Always use traditional bank transfers, which provide proof of payment.

• Suspicious Flat Ad Details: Listings that lack detailed descriptions, feature generic or overly professional photos (often rendered images), and use free email services for contact should raise suspicion.

• Pressure Tactics: A legitimate landlord or agency will never rush you into making a payment or signing a contract without ample time for review.

• Moving the conversation outside of official Platforms: Scammers push communication to unregistered channels, such as WhatsApp, to avoid detection.

• No verification of ownership: Always confirm that the person you are dealing with is the legal owner of the property.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If something feels off, take it seriously. Your sixth sense is very useful in these cases. Follow these steps to protect yourself and avoid being scammed when searching a flat in Italy:

• Verify the listing: Cross-check the property’s details on other reputable platforms or contact local real estate agents.

• Always communicate in written: Keep trace of all conversations happening with the landlord or agency

• Confirm the flat’s existence: Always visit in person or request a live video call.

• Validate ownership: Obtain official documents proving the landlord’s identity and ownership before making any payments.

• Check the agency’s Llegitimacy: If dealing with an agency, confirm that it is legally registered and reputable.

• Never pay in advance or outside the banking transfer system: All major transactions in Italy happens via SEPA bank transfer, as it is a trackable, free and very common system. Never accept to pay via other means, like credit card or paypal.

• Trust your instincts: If a deal feels suspicious, reconsider before proceeding.

If you believe an ad is fraudulent, don't wait and act right away. Other people might risk to be scammed!

Document everything: Save emails, messages, screenshots, and any other communication.

Report the scam: Inform the platform hosting the ad and file a report with local authorities, such as the Polizia Postale, to help prevent others from being scammed.

What to do if you get scammed in Italy

Scammers became more and more sophisticated and subtle. Despite taking precautions, you may still fall victim to scams. If this happens, act quickly to get the best chance not to lose the money:

1. Report to Authorities: File a report as soon as possible with the local police, specifically the cybercrime division (Polizia Postale), or visit the closest police station. Reports must be made within three months of discovering the fraud. If you are abroad, you can also report the scam at your local Italian embassy, or rely on online private web services.

2. Notify Your Bank: If you have transferred money, inform your bank immediately of the transaction to check if the transaction can be reversed, and report to the banking authority of anti-money laundering

3. Inform the Rental Platform: Report the fraudulent listing so it can be removed and other users can be warned.

4. You might want to seek legal advice: Consulting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and potentially recover lost funds.

It might take some time, but authorities should be able to identify the scammer and sometimes recover the money. 

Conclusion

By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself against the growing threat of rental fraud in Italy. 

A little skepticism and thorough verification can go a long way in safeguarding your finances and personal information.

The online safety principles always stand:

• Never trust anyone online who wants your money, and

• Never send money via untracked channel and without documentation backing up your right for a service

We hope that this guide can be useful to you!