Rental Listing Scams in Serbia
Fake rental advertisements in Serbia — particularly for Belgrade apartments — target domestic movers and international professionals with phantom deposits.
Part of: Rental Listing Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Serbia's housing market, particularly in Belgrade, has seen strong price growth that has pushed genuine rental prices higher. Scammers exploit this competitive environment by listing properties at below-market prices to attract applicants quickly. Deposits are collected before any proper viewing or documentation can occur, and the fraudster then disappears.
International professionals and students moving to Belgrade — attracted by the city's growing tech and startup scene — are particularly vulnerable because they frequently seek accommodation remotely and cannot easily visit in person before paying.
How this scam works on Serbia
A rental listing appears on Serbian property portals (Halo Oglasi, Nekretnine.rs) or international platforms for a centrally located Belgrade apartment priced attractively below market. The landlord is unavailable for a viewing but asks for a deposit to 'hold' the property.
Photographs are copied from legitimate listings. Some fraudsters communicate credibly for several days, sharing fabricated lease documents and requesting bank transfer of the deposit. The apartment either does not exist or is already legitimately rented, and the fraudster disappears after receiving payment.
International remote-working professionals and students admitted to Belgrade universities are particularly targeted in late summer when competition for accommodation peaks.
Common red flags
- The rent is notably below comparable Belgrade apartments in the same location.
- The landlord cannot arrange a viewing and requests a deposit by transfer to hold the property.
- Listing photographs reverse-image-search to another Serbian property website.
- Communication is exclusively by Viber or WhatsApp with no verifiable landlord identity.
- A fabricated or generic-looking lease document is shared as a 'trust signal'.
How to protect yourself
- Never pay a deposit without viewing the property in person.
- Verify the landlord's ownership through the Serbian Cadastre (RGZ) at rgz.gov.rs.
- Use licensed estate agents registered with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers of Serbia.
- Reverse-image-search listing photos before making contact.
- Pay deposits only after signing a verified lease agreement.
How to report it
- Report to Serbian Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs cybercrime unit.
- Report the listing to the portal where it appeared.
- Contact your bank immediately if a deposit has been transferred.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check property ownership in Serbia before paying a deposit?
Yes. The Republic Geodetic Authority (RGZ) allows property ownership searches at rgz.gov.rs. A licensed real-estate broker can assist with this verification.