Risk: Elevated

Apartment cheap, landlord abroad? Beware of deposit fraud

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 14/08/2026 · Last updated: 15/08/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case, reported by Watchlist Internet. For details, see the linked source.

Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.

How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

This warning was included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

An ad for a particularly cheap apartment in a sought-after location is posted online.
In response to an inquiry, a supposed landlord (in the case mentioned, under the name Katharina Koppensteiner) gets in touch.
She explains her delayed response and the low price by citing professional activity abroad (in the example: a project in Bari, Italy).
She states that she has commissioned a real estate agency to handle the process because she is unable to travel herself.
A deposit is demanded for the supposed rental – in this specific case, 800 euros.
After the transfer, contact usually breaks off and the deposit is lost.

How to recognise it

Unusually low rent for a sought-after location
Landlord claims to be permanently abroad and unable to offer a viewing
Deposit is demanded before any viewing and before a legitimate tenancy agreement
Claim that a real estate agency or platform is handling the process
Communication takes place only by email or messenger; personal contact is delayed
Photos may originate from genuine listings (stolen) – a reverse image search can reveal this
Prize without participation or a "free" offer requesting personal data
Advance payment demanded for "fees/taxes"

How to protect yourself

Never transfer a deposit before you have personally viewed the apartment and a legitimate tenancy agreement is in place.
Perform a reverse image search of the apartment photos to check whether they originate from other listings.
If you have already paid, contact your bank immediately and ask whether the payment can be stopped or recalled.
Preserve all evidence: the listing, emails, messages, payment receipts and contact details of the supposed landlord.
File a report with the police and contact the consumer advice center for guidance.

What you should never do

Do not transfer any deposit or reservation fee before you have seen the apartment.
Do not be put off with excuses such as a stay abroad or illness.
Do not send any personal data such as copies of your ID or bank details in advance.
Do not rely on the existence of a supposed real estate agency without having independently verified it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay the demanded deposit?

No. A legitimate deposit only becomes due after a viewing and after a genuine tenancy agreement has been concluded. In the case described, the apartment does not exist – you would lose your money.

What happens if I do not reply to the message?

Nothing happens. There is no legitimate claim, since the apartment does not exist and the supposed landlord will not be reachable.

How did the fraudsters get my data?

This cannot always be determined precisely. Data may originate from general responses to listings, social networks or previous data leaks.

Can I get my money back if I have already transferred it?

Contact your bank immediately and ask whether the transfer can still be stopped or recalled. You should then file a report with the police.

How can I check whether the apartment really exists?

Use a reverse image search for the photos from the listing and check whether they originate from other offers. Always insist on a personal viewing before paying anything or signing anything.

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Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

15/08/2026Description updated
14/08/2026Warning added from an official source