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TRAVEL SCAM
Barcelona, Spain
Fake Rental Deposit Scam
Tourists are tricked into paying deposits for apartments that either do not exist or are not available.
High Risk
COMMON LOCATIONS
Online rental platforms, travel planning stage
HOW IT HAPPENS
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
1. Scammers post fake listings online
2. Victims are asked to pay deposit before viewing
3. After payment, scammers disappear
WATCH FOR THIS
WARNING SIGNS
- Request for deposit before viewing
- No official contract
- Property cannot be verified
STAY SMART
HOW TO AVOID IT
- Never pay before viewing property
- Use verified rental agencies
- Check reviews and listings carefully
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