Recent statistics from the Polícia de Segurança Pública demonstrate that this crime, generally associated with cyber fraud, is “increasingly diverse in its criminal typologies” and is showing “growing prevalence.” In 2022, reported cases stood at 1,214, rising to 1,542 in 2023, with a slight decrease to 1,511 in 2024.
Over the past three years, the PSP recorded a total of 4,267 crimes involving fraudulent property rentals. From January to March of the current year, there were 390 complaints, marking an increase of about 25% compared to the same period in 2024 (+77).
This law enforcement agency notes a “high number of daily reported incidents,” emphasizing that, due to digital advancements, these fraudulent methods are not easily detectable and are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous.
The police clarify that within the realm of cyber fraud, scams on online accommodation platforms are emerging as “an increasing problem.” The fraudulent scheme leads victims to prepay for properties that are non-existent or already occupied, falsely believing they are securing a legitimate reservation.
According to the PSP, these scams “frequently occur through online ads and newspaper classifieds,” offering attractive accommodations and prices, often with real images and addresses.
Subsequently, fraudsters establish contact via email or phone, negotiate payment, and instruct victims to transfer money via bank transfer, check, or cash, resulting in the victim losing the sent amount and never accessing the promised property.
In a statement, the PSP provides practical examples: Once the money is deposited into the suspect’s bank account, they remove the property advertisement from the internet and cut off all communications, leaving the victim to realize they have been scammed. Alternatively, suspects might maintain contact with the victim, responding evasively to any suspicions raised, often leaving the victim unaware until after traveling to the destination and discovering the nonexistence of the secured house.
The PSP advises individuals to seek out websites, newspapers, or classified companies that verify the authenticity of advertisements. It suggests skepticism towards ads where prices fall below market value, comparing them with others featuring similar properties in the same geographic area.
Further, they recommend researching property data online for potential references to past frauds, requesting additional housing information, such as interior photos or copies of utility contracts, and verifying identity and address details.
Potential tenants should be meticulous about property details, ensuring they match the provided address. They should verify internet maps, check if advertisement images are genuine, and confirm whether the name linked to the payment IBAN corresponds with the owner/company or advertiser, the police further advise.
The PSP cautions against any monetary transfers to individuals advertising property rentals online without confirming the advertiser’s legitimacy and advises against accessing links sent via email or other rental platforms for transactions.
If the advertiser claims non-receipt of the payment or raises issues with the transaction process, tenants should immediately contact the bank, request a transaction cancellation if fraud is suspected, and halt any completed payments.
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