Detect fraud at Immoscout, Immowelt and Immonet
Criminals use the Immoscout, Immowelt and Immonet portals for real estate fraud. In our guide, we will show you how to recognize the fraud and how to protect yourself against it.
Buyer and tenant tips: Protect yourself against real estate fraud
If you pay attention to a few things, as a buyer or tenant on real estate portals you can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.
- Be suspicious if the purchase or rental property is offered far below the usual location prices. For property advertisements on Immoscout, reference prices are always given at the bottom of the page, for example, which can serve as a guide (see screenshot).
- The seller or landlord should be ready for at least one phone call. If this insists on pure e-mail communication, cancel the purchase process.
- Before concluding the contract, request an assessment of the property on site. This also reduces the risk of falling into the hands of fraudulent brokers and advisors who sell real estate overpriced. Make sure the price is justified and don't rush to buy.
- Never make an advance payment - no matter what the seller or landlord tells you. A standard trick is, for example, that the alleged seller or landlord of the bargain is abroad and requires a deposit from you so that he can send you the apartment key for inspection.
Seller and landlord tips: So you do not become a victim of fraud
As a seller or landlord, you also have to be careful about Immoscout, Immowelt and Immonet.
- Pay attention to inquiries by email. You can usually identify the fraud by texts in English or obviously written with a translation program. In addition, you should not open email attachments as fraudsters use them for phishing to get your data or money. Insist on a phone call with the prospect.
- Check the prospect's financial position. You can request, among other things, pay slips and an employment contract.
- Do not let yourself be persuaded to pay cash - counterfeit money will be put in here!
If you notice anything suspicious, get in touch with the operators of the real estate exchanges immediately. If you advertise your property or are looking for a new home, you will find vouchers for ImmobilienScout24 in our database.