How to spot property and rental scams online

Copied photos, deposits for places you have not seen, fake owners and urgent pressure: the warning signs of a property scam and how to protect yourself.

Property scams work because they mix a real-looking listing with a sense of urgency. The good news: almost all of them break down if you follow a few simple rules.

The classic warning signs

The price is far below everything nearby. Compare with other listings in the same neighborhood. On BDS2, listings priced far below the local median are reviewed before they go live.
You are asked to pay before you have seen the property, often to "hold" it because many others are interested.
The owner cannot meet you: they are abroad, sick, travelling, and will send keys after payment.
The payment goes to a personal account, a money transfer service, gift cards or crypto, or to a name that does not match the owner.
Pressure: decide today, do not tell anyone, the deal is only for you.
The photos appear elsewhere under another name or in another city. A reverse image search takes a minute.

Rules that protect you

See the property in person, or have someone you trust see it for you.
Meet the owner or a verifiable agent, and check their identity against the ownership documents.
For purchases, have your own lawyer check the official title records before any deposit.
Pay only with a traceable method and get a written receipt and contract.
Never share bank passwords, one-time codes or copies of your documents with someone you have not verified.

For sellers and landlords

Scammers also target owners: fake buyers who "overpay" and ask for a refund, or people who copy your listing to rent it out to someone else. Do not accept overpayments, verify that payments have actually cleared before handing over keys, and if you see your photos used elsewhere, report it to the site.

If something feels wrong

Stop, do not pay, and ask a second opinion from someone local. On BDS2, use the Report this listing button at the bottom of any listing. We review reports and hide listings that break the rules. If you have already sent money, contact your bank immediately and report it to the local police.

BDS2 is a listing board, not a broker: we never ask you to pay a seller through us. Every deal is between you and the other party, so take your time and check everything.