The “perfect flat” shows up, it’s cheap, they reply fast… and that’s exactly when most people get caught. If you’re an international student (or you’ve just arrived in a new city), scammers know it: you’re in a rush, you’ve got no local network, and you’re scared of ending up with nowhere to live.

This guide is your anti-drama filter: the most common scams, red flags and a checklist so you don’t hand over a single euro unless you’re sure. And if you’re unsure: ask in the forum at the end.

Why international students are the perfect target

• Urgency: “classes start in 7 days”, "I need to move now ".

• Distance: you can’t view the flat in person.

• Unfamiliarity: you don’t know what’s normal to ask for (and what isn’t).

• Deciding on your own: no one to send the listing to and say “does this feel dodgy?”.

7 super common scams (and how to spot them)

1. The “ghost flat” (amazing photos + impossible price)

What it looks like: magazine-level flat, price way too low for the area, fast replies.
Red flags: pressure (“there are 10 interested”), rushing you, paying to “reserve” without showing anything.
How to avoid it:

• Do a reverse image search (sometimes the photos are stolen).

• Ask for a live video call (show windows, taps, balcony, building entrance).

If they avoid showing the flat: run.

2. “Pay a deposit to be able to view it”

What it looks like: they ask for €100–€300 “to book a viewing” or “to secure your slot”.
Red flags: paying just to view is a classic.
How to avoid it: view first. If there’s a reservation, it should be with a clear document and traceable payments.

3. “The landlord is abroad”

What it looks like: “I can’t show the flat, but I’ll send you the keys once you pay”.
Red flags: constant excuses, they won’t talk on the phone, only messages, lots of urgency.
How to avoid it: if there’s no real viewing/video call + contract + clear landlord identity, don’t pay.

4. Fake “agency” (cloned website / weird domain)

What it looks like: links to “reserve”, strange forms, websites that imitate real companies.
Red flags: weird domain, urgency, changing bank details to pay.
How to avoid it:

• Type the website address yourself (not from links).

• Verify the company details and don’t send sensitive documents to random people.

5. Subletting trap (the person can’t legally rent to you)

What it looks like: “we don’t do contracts”, “don’t tell the landlord”, “all verbal”.
Red flags: zero paperwork, weird rules, payments with no receipt.
How to avoid it: ask for a written agreement and make it clear who the legal tenant is and what you’re renting (room/flat, bills, duration).

6. Deposits/payments that are too high (and no receipt)

What it looks like: “pay 3–4 months upfront” and preferably “in cash”.
Red flags: big amounts + urgency + no document.
How to avoid it: get everything in writing, with a receipt, and use traceable payments. If it’s disproportionate, ask for a second opinion.

7. Invented or “mandatory” “fees” with weird labels

What it looks like: “admin fee”, “processing”, “keys”, “express contract”… and it’s all today.
Red flags: vague concepts + pressure.
How to avoid it: get it in writing and check before paying. If they pressure you with “today or nothing”, bad sign.

Anti-scam checklist (copy it and use it as a filter)

✅ Have I viewed the flat in person or via a real video call (not a recorded video)?

✅ Is the person identified and do they match the contract (name and details)?

✅ Is the address real and consistent (building entrance, floor, flat number)?

❌Are they asking for money to view? (red flag)

❌ Are they pressuring me “pay today”? (red flag)

❌Is the price too cheap for that area? (red flag)

❌ Are they asking me to pay using a weird or hard-to-trace method? (red flag)

✅ Is there a contract with duration, rent, deposit, bills, inventory?

✅ Do I have proof/receipt for any payment?

✅ Did I ask for a second opinion (forum / friend / uni)?

Before you pay: 3 golden rules

1. Don’t pay without viewing (or a real video call) and clear written terms.

2. Pay in a traceable way (bank transfer to an identified account holder).

3. Everything in writing: what’s included, dates, refunds, and what happens if they cancel.

If you already got scammed (or you suspect it): what to do fast

• Collect evidence: chats, emails, listing, screenshots, payment proof, bank account details.

• Contact your bank ASAP (sometimes they can try to stop transactions).

• Report it to the police with all documentation.

• If it was online, look for guidance from cyber security/consumer protection bodies in your area.

You can also count on our accommodation partners where you’ll find safer offers https://uniwords-students-8sy1qvpd5-uniwords-students.vercel.app/deals

If you have doubts, don’t decide on your own. Ask in the forum: share your case (city, price, screenshot of the listing and what they’re asking for) and we’ll tell you if it looks like a scam and what to check before paying. https://uniwords-students-en4oai6sx-uniwords-students.vercel.app/es/community