Data from the Public Security Police show that this crime, generally associated with computer fraud, “is increasingly covered by a greater diversity of criminal typologies” and has “a growing expression”, with those reported in 2022 standing at 1,214, which increased to 1,542 in 2023, with a small decrease to 1,511 in 2024.

In the last three years, the PSP registered a total of 4,267 fraud-related crimes through the false leasing of real estate, and between January and March of this year, 390 complaints were recorded, an increase of around 25% compared to the same period in 2024 (+77).

This security force states that there has been “a high number of daily occurrences reported”, adding that, as a result of digital evolution, the methods used are not easily detectable, being more sophisticated and dangerous.

The police explain that, in the world of computer fraud, scams on online accommodation platforms have become “a growing problem”, with the fraudulent scheme inducing victims to pay in advance for non-existent or already occupied properties, believing that they are guaranteeing a legitimate reservation.

These schemes, according to the PSP, “often occur through online advertisements and newspaper classifieds”, offering accommodation at attractive prices, often with real images and addresses.

The scammers then establish contact by email or telephone, negotiate payment and instruct victims to transfer money, either by bank transfer, check or cash, and in the end, “the victim ends up losing the amount sent and never has access to the promised property”, they add.

In a statement, the PSP provides several practical examples: Once the money has been deposited in the bank account, the suspect removes the property advert from the internet, disconnects all contacts used in the process, and stops responding to emails, with the victim immediately realising that they have been scammed; or, after the money has been deposited in the bank account, the suspect maintains contact with the victim and continues his stance until the end, responding evasively to any suspicions raised by the victim, who only become aware of the scam later, often after having travelled to their destination and realising on site that the house they thought they had secured did not exist.

The PSP advises people to look for websites, newspapers or classifieds companies that guarantee confirmation of the veracity of the advertisements and to be wary of advertisements in which prices are below market value, comparing them with other properties with similar characteristics and located in the same geographical area.

It also advises searching for property details on the internet, as there may be references to previous scams, requesting additional details about the property, such as photos of the interior, copies of electricity, light or gas supply contracts, and checking the identification details and address provided.

Pay attention to the details of the property and check whether they match the address provided, looking at maps available on the internet, researching the images shown in the advert to check whether they are genuine and checking whether the name associated with the IBAN provided for payment matches that of the owner/company or advertiser, the police also advise.

The PSP warns interested parties to avoid any type of monetary transfer to people who advertise property rentals on the internet without being certain that the advertiser is legitimate and not to access addresses sent via email or other rental platforms to carry out the transaction.

Tenants must immediately contact the bank if the advertiser informs them that they have not received any amount or that there are problems with the payment processing, requesting a new transaction and, if fraud is found, immediately cancel the payment already made.