Looking for a new flat or house is exciting, but particularly attractive offers deserve a closer look. An unusually low price, missing information, pressure to act quickly or a request for payment before a viewing can be signs of a fake listing.
A few simple checks can help you spot suspicious offers sooner and better protect yourself during your property search.
1. Check the advertiser
Before sending personal documents or transferring money, make sure you know who you are dealing with.
Search for the person’s or company’s name and check their website, phone number and email address. With a professional property company, you should normally be able to establish who is behind the offer.
If important details remain unclear or the information is contradictory, take a closer look.
2. Use established property portals
Where possible, search for your property on well-known platforms.
Be particularly careful with offers sent to you through unfamiliar websites, social media or direct messages. Even on established platforms, stay alert if a listing seems unusual.
On dreamo.ch, listings are published by property professionals. This gives you a more reliable environment in which to search for a suitable property.
3. Be wary of unusual payment requests
Asked to pay a deposit or reservation fee when you have never seen the property? This should make you pause.
Be especially cautious if someone demands a quick bank transfer or asks for an unusual payment method, such as prepaid cards, cryptocurrency or money transfers to unknown recipients.
Only transfer money once it is clear who you are paying, why the payment is being requested and what agreement it is based on.
4. Be careful when sharing personal details
Applying for a rental property often involves providing personal information and documents. However, that does not mean you should send everything to anyone straight away.
First, check who will receive your data and why they need it. You should also avoid sending particularly sensitive documents without protection through insecure channels.
Fake listings are not always just about money. Your personal data can also be misused.
5. View the property
Photos alone are not enough to assess an offer reliably.
If possible, view the flat or house in person. If you cannot attend yourself, someone you trust can view the property on your behalf.
Be cautious if a viewing is ruled out altogether while payment is being requested.
6. Report suspicious offers
If a listing seems suspicious, report it to the platform where you found it.
This helps protect you and can also prevent other people searching for a home from falling for the same offer.
7. Trust your instincts and check the facts
Sometimes, you cannot immediately put your finger on what is wrong. The communication seems odd, your questions are being avoided or you suddenly feel pressured to act.
If that happens, do not simply carry on.
Ask questions and check the key information. A legitimate advertiser should be able to answer reasonable questions.
Your gut feeling alone does not prove fraud. It can, however, be a good reason to take another look.
What should you do if you spot a fake listing?
If you believe a listing is fraudulent, stop communicating with the advertiser and report the offer to the platform.
Also save screenshots of the listing, messages, phone numbers, email addresses and any payment details. This information may be important later.
If you have already transferred money, contact your bank or the payment provider you used and report the incident to the police.
If you have shared personal data or login details, check your accounts for suspicious activity and change the affected passwords.
It is worth checking again
A low-priced offer is not automatically a fake listing. However, if several things do not add up, you should be cautious.
Check the advertiser, view the property, avoid rushing into payments and handle your personal details carefully.
A few extra checks can save you a lot of trouble later, allowing you to get back to what really matters: finding a property that is right for you.