Rental Listing Scams in Germany
How fraudulent rental listings on German platforms like Immoscout24 and WG-Gesucht target apartment hunters with advance payment requests and fake landlord profiles.
Part of: Rental Listing Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Germany's highly competitive rental market — particularly in cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt — creates a high-pressure environment that scammers exploit. Apartment hunters who fear missing out on a rare affordable listing are more likely to overlook red flags and send advance payments before viewing a property.
The Bundeskriminalamt has documented consistent growth in rental fraud reports, with online platforms being the primary recruitment ground for victims.
How this scam works on Germany
Fraudulent listings appear on Immoscout24, Immonet, WG-Gesucht, and eBay Kleinanzeigen, typically featuring professional-looking photos at below-market Kaltmiete (cold rent). The 'landlord' responds promptly but claims to be currently abroad — often citing a work posting to the UK, US, or Gulf states.
Victims are asked to send a Kaution (security deposit) and first month's rent via bank transfer to 'confirm' the rental ahead of a viewing that is always deferred. After payment, contact ceases and the listing disappears. Some operations send convincing fake Mietverträge (tenancy agreements) before requesting payment to increase victim confidence.
A variant targets WG (shared flat) seekers by impersonating existing tenants, asking for a deposit to 'hold' a room within a real flat advertised on WG-Gesucht.
Common red flags
- Listing price significantly below area Mietspiegel (rent index) for the property type
- Landlord claiming to be abroad and unable to show the flat in person
- Request for Kaution or first month's rent before any viewing
- Tenancy agreement sent as a PDF without the landlord's verifiable registration details
- Payment requested to an account outside Germany for a German rental
How to protect yourself
- Never transfer a deposit before physically viewing the property and verifying the landlord's identity
- Check the landlord's identity in the Grundbuch (land register) at the local Amtsgericht
- Use platforms like ImmobilienScout24's direct booking system that includes identity verification
- Report suspicious listings to the platform's fraud team immediately
- Consult the Mieterverein (tenants' association) for guidance on legitimate rental procedures
How to report it
- Report to the Bundeskriminalamt cybercrime reporting portal at bka.de
- Report the listing to the platform via the 'Anzeige melden' function
- Contact your bank immediately if a transfer was made
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify an Immoscout24 or WG-Gesucht listing is genuine before paying anything?
Insist on viewing the apartment in person or via live video call with the person on-site before any payment, and ask for identification matching the name on the lease or property documents. Be wary of landlords who are "abroad" and can't show the property directly.
What should I do if I paid a deposit (Kaution) for a fake German rental listing?
Report the listing to the platform immediately, and file a report with the local police (Polizei). Contact your bank if payment was by SEPA transfer to ask about recall options, and keep all correspondence and payment proof.
Do Immoscout24 or WG-Gesucht refund deposits lost to scam listings?
These platforms primarily host listings and don't typically process or guarantee rental payments made directly to a landlord outside the platform. Whether you can recover a deposit may depend on the payment method and timing — contact your bank directly to explore options.
What is the typical Kaution in Germany and how should it be paid?
The standard security deposit (Kaution) in Germany is up to three months' cold rent. Legitimate payment is made after signing a notarised or written Mietvertrag and is typically held in a separate savings account. Payment before a viewing or before signing a verifiable tenancy agreement is not standard practice in Germany and is a clear fraud indicator.