A cybersecurity expert warns of how rental scams are perpetrated.
The Spanish housing market is going through one of its most difficult times. With skyrocketing prices and an overwhelming supply , the search for an affordable apartment has become a nightmare for thousands of people. In this context, scammers have found fertile ground to take advantage of the desperation of those in need of a home, and now they are using new tactics that combine the latest technologies with their characteristic criminal ingenuity .
Cybersecurity expert María Aperador has warned about a new type of scam that is wreaking havoc on rental platforms . Through her TikTok account, 'mariaperadorcriminologia,' the specialist has revealed that criminals are using artificial intelligence to create fake apartments and deceive people looking for housing.
"This is a new scam in apartment rentals," the cybersecurity expert begins. "If you're looking for apartments or know someone who is, mention them so they're aware of this new scam," she adds.
@mariaperadorcriminologia 🚨 New home rental scam Scammers post listings for fake or AI-modified homes at below-market prices. Once they capture the interest of potential tenants, they divert them to instant messaging platforms outside the official portal to continue negotiations. Using the excuse of high demand, they pressure the victim into making an advance payment as a reservation. Days later, tenants discover the property doesn't exist and that they've been scammed. 💡 How to avoid falling for these scams: 1. Be suspicious of the urgent need to pay. 2. Scammers often use this excuse to avoid showing the property in person. 3. They often send messages with many spelling mistakes or poorly written text that can be a sign of fraud. 4. Use mobile apps or online tools to ensure the property actually exists. 5. Do not agree to negotiate outside the official buying or selling or rental portal. 6. Never send money as a reservation without first confirming the authenticity of the listing. 7. Avoid sending pay stubs, ID, or other documents that could be used to commit other crimes. #cybersecurity #scam #rental ♬ original sound - María Aperador
The modus operandi of these cybercriminals is surprising, according to the expert: "The scammers get very creative and create or modify homes with artificial intelligence, and then list these apartments on the websites we all know at very affordable prices ." The technique consists of publishing manipulated images of attractive homes on the main rental platforms, making them appear to be unique opportunities below market value .
Once someone shows interest in the apartment, the scam begins to unfold. "When you contact them, they'll redirect you off the platform to begin negotiations, usually via WhatsApp or another channel," warns the cybersecurity specialist. This is the first warning sign , as scammers often redirect the conversation to external platforms to avoid being tracked by the real estate portals' security systems.
The next step in the scam is to take advantage of the urgency of the situation . The criminals insist that there is high demand for the apartment and that, in order to reserve it, an immediate advance payment is required. "Using the excuse that there are many people interested in that apartment, they will ask you to pay an advance of one or two months' rent as a reservation," explains the expert.
The trap closes the moment the victim makes the payment . "Once you do this, the supposed seller will disappear with your money," the expert concludes. This situation leaves the victim with no chance of recovering their money , as the scammers erase all traces once they have received the transfer.
In the face of this growing threat, the cybersecurity specialist has offered some key tips to avoid falling for these scams . "First of all, no advance payment is made before viewing the apartment," she emphasizes, stressing that no matter how real or convincing the offer seems , you should always visit the property before making a financial commitment.
Secondly, he recommends doing thorough research : "It's important to check other websites to see if the apartment actually exists."
Finally, the cybersecurity expert emphasizes the need to keep all conversations within official rental platforms , as these platforms offer greater levels of protection and oversight in the event of irregularities. "All conversations we have with the seller must be within the platform that already enables this," she concludes.
ABC.es
