In today's digital world, searching for a property can be challenging, especially with the increasing number of fake listings. Recognizing these ads is essential to protect your finances and nerves. Here are some key signs to help you identify and avoid fake offers.
First, pay attention to the pictures
Fake listings often use photos that do not match the actual property or are taken from other sources. For example, you may come across an apartment listing with attractive images of a modern interior, only to find upon inspection that the property is in a completely different condition or even different in size. Check if the photos look too perfect or retouched. Usually, real listings present the property more objectively, without emphasizing only the best aspects. Compare the photos with the property address on Google Street View to make sure they match. If you see that the property in the photos does not match the Google preview, this is a clear indication of a fake listing.
Also, it is useful to look up information about the property itself on the Internet. Enter the address into a search engine to see if it appears in previous listings or news. Often, fake ads use old photos and information, which can help reveal the scam.
Also look at the details describing the property. Legitimate landlords usually offer complete information about the property, including exact address, square footage, number of rooms and additional services. Fake listings often lack detailed information and descriptions can be vague and general.
When checking listings, it's important to trust your gut. If something seems questionable to you, don't hesitate to voice your concerns. The choice on a platform with 100% real and verified ads like Flatimo, will save you time and effort by making the search process more secure and reliable.
Too low a price for a luxury property? It's probably not real!
A property price that is too low is one of the most obvious signs that can tell you that the listing is not real or even fake.
If the price of the property is significantly below the regular for the market, this is a cause for concern.
For example: Be alert if you see an ad for an ultra-luxury property in the center of Sofia with a monthly rent between BGN 650-700. There is a reason why
Although sometimes owners may offer a lower price for a quick rental or sale, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake listings often use attractive prices to attract potential renters or buyers and get them to act quickly before they have a chance to check the facts.
It is important to compare the prices of similar properties in the same area to get an idea of the real value. If you find that the price of a particular property is significantly lower than that of comparable properties, this may be an indicator that something is wrong. It is recommended that you be skeptical of listings with suspiciously low prices and research additional information before taking any steps to protect yourself from potential scams.
Fake profile and contact person not picking up the phone
A contact person with a fake name not answering the phone is another existing indicator of fake property listings. Fraudsters often use false names to hide from potential buyers or tenants, thus avoiding tracking. If you notice that a contact with a suspicious name doesn't pick up the phone, but instead just adds multiple new listings in a short period of time, that's a strong sign that you might be running into a scam.
Scammers often create multiple fake profiles and listings to attract the attention of various users, but have no real interest in providing information or assistance. The lack of response from the "contact person" is a clear signal that something is wrong, and it is good to avoid this type of announcement.
Insist on clear communication and verification of the identity of the person you are contacting. Updating listings and adding many new offers in a short period of time can also suggest an organized fraud scheme where the goal is to create the illusion of activity and create urgency in potential customers to react quickly without thinking .
Search for reviews and recommendations
Reviews and recommendations are extremely important when searching for a property, as they provide valuable information about the quality of services and the credibility of listings. If a listing is for real property and a legitimate owner, you'll likely find positive reviews from previous tenants or buyers.
Browse the property rating platform to see what others are saying about the owner or agency in question. The lack of reviews or the presence of only negative comments should make you think about the reliability of the listing. It's also important to familiarize yourself with specific details in the reviews - positive reviews often mention specific benefits of the property, while negative ones can reveal issues with terms, communication or even fraud.
Also, look out for listings with lots of positive reviews but sounding too similar – this could be a sign of fake reviews created by scammers. By informing yourself and analyzing the reviews, you can protect yourself from unpleasant surprises and make a better choice.
Blurry low quality photos
Blurry photos and low quality images are a clear sign that the ad may not be trustworthy.
When looking for a property, it is important that the photos provide a clear and detailed view of the property so that you can assess its condition and features.
Fake listings often use poor quality or unclearly detailed images to cover up a property's flaws or even represent a completely different property.
Pay attention to the photos - if they look too small, blurry or have unnatural colors, this could be a signal that something is wrong. It's also important to make sure the photos are up-to-date and match the actual look of the property, as scammers often use old or generic images that have nothing to do with the property on offer.
Therefore, if you come across a listing with unclear or low-quality photos, it is better to be cautious and ask yourself what might be behind such inadequate visualization.
In conclusion, attention to detail and a proactive approach are key to avoiding fake property listings. Flatimo offers a platform with 100% real and verified listings, which greatly facilitates the search process and provides users with peace of mind. Choose trusted sources and don't rush your decisions to find your ideal home without unnecessary worries.
