Photos: stock images, and your growing paranoia
We’ve all been there.
You open a listings website, type in “1-bedroom, near the metro, under $300,” and there it is — the dream apartment. Clean, modern, cozy. Feels like fate.
But something’s off.
Spoiler: that feeling is often spot on. It’s probably a scam.
Here are 7 red flags that scream: “This listing is sketchy.” And what to do if you spot one.
1. An apartment that’s too cheap to be true
“Downtown, $150/month. No commission. Owner. Hurry up!”
Sounds like a dream. It’s not. If similar listings in the area are going for $400–$600, but this one is dirt cheap — red alert.
🔍 What to do:
Google the photos (drag them into Google Images). You’ll probably find the same pictures used in a dozen fake listings — or even from a real estate site in Berlin.
2. “I’m abroad, but send a deposit and I’ll mail you the keys”
Real message we’ve seen:
“I’m currently in Germany, but my cousin will give you the keys. Just send the deposit first.”
Classic scam. Spoiler again: the cousin doesn’t exist. Neither do the keys. And the money? Gone.
☝️ Never pay anything before you’ve seen the place in person. Ever.
3. Photos look like a design magazine shoot
The listing has soft lighting, minimalism, a tasteful fern on the windowsill. Not a single cable in sight.
But also — not a single towel, plastic dish rack, or human trace. That’s… suspicious.
🤔 Tip: Right-click on the image → “Search with Google.” If it came from a real estate blog in Stockholm, walk away.
4. No face, no past: shady profiles
The person messaging you has a Facebook profile made two weeks ago, with one blurry photo and no posts.
⚠️ Scammy behavior alert. Always check if the person has:
- Real name
- Past activity
- Other listings
- Reviews or presence on trusted platforms
5. “We don’t need a contract — I trust people”
“Why complicate things with documents? I prefer honest human connection.”
We love that for dating. But not for real estate.
If you don’t sign a rental agreement, you’re on your own legally. Always. Even with “nice people.”
6. Pressure to decide NOW
“Others are interested — if you don’t pay today, it’s gone.”
That’s emotional manipulation. The idea is to push you into action before you can think straight.
A legit landlord will wait while you check things or sleep on it. No rush means no scam.
7. A “realtor” who doesn’t want paperwork
If someone calls themselves a realtor but refuses to show a license or sign an agreement — nope.
Look them up. Google their name, phone number, or check their profile on real estate platforms. On Xmetr, you’ll see verified profiles and agent ratings.
🛠 What to do if something feels off
- Block the person and take screenshots
- Report fake listings to the platform
- If you sent money — contact your bank and file a police report (it might help, especially with proof)
✅ How Xmetr is making rentals safer
We’re sick of scams too. That’s why:
- We verify agents
- We highlight risky listings
- We offer safe message templates for Telegram and Viber, so the agent knows you came from Xmetr (and you leave a trace)
Coming soon: agent reviews. Stay tuned.
🔚 Final thoughts
If the listing looks too good to be true — it probably is.
The rental market doesn’t have to be scary. With some common sense, online tools, and a little digital sleuthing, you can avoid most traps.
👀 Explore real listings at Xmetr — with real agents, real photos, and real peace of mind.
💬 Ever been scammed?
Tell us your story — we’re collecting real-life experiences for a follow-up piece. No judgment, just solidarity ❤️
Also check our article on Rental Agreement Checklist: What to Check Before You Sign Anything