How to avoid rental scams
If you are moving to a new city for your studies and are looking for a flat on the private housing market, it is important to be well informed.
Unlike student unions or halls of residence, where advance payments are sometimes common, there are often fraudulent offers from private landlords. Some people try to deceive students with fake adverts or false landlord profiles.
This page is designed to help you recognise typical scams on the private market and find a flat more safely.
Not sure if a property listing is legitimate?
You may have been scammed and don't know who to turn to?
Please contact our Welcome Center Team and we will support you.
mail: welcome@uni-saarland.de
phone: +49 (0) 681 302 71128
7 practical tips for recognising and avoiding housing fraud
Scammers often attract people with furnished, newly renovated apartments in excellent locations offered at unusually low prices. They usually highlight cleanliness and high-quality furniture.
Tip: Check typical rental prices in the area using online platforms and be cautious if an offer is significantly below the local average.
What to do in case of fraud?
If you have already transferred money or shared personal information, it is important to act quickly. Proceed as follows:
- Report the incident to the police — ideally in writing and with all available documents (e.g. emails, payment confirmations).
- Contact your bank to find out if the payment can still be stopped or reversed.
- Report the apartment listing to the respective online platform (e.g. wg-gesucht.de, Immobilienscout24).
- Secure all evidence: save emails, chat logs, screenshots, and payment receipts.