In Tehran rental scams are a concern. Here are top five rental scams to avoid when you want to rent apartment in Tehran as a foreigner:
- Fake Listings: Scammers create professional-looking ads on major platforms, often using real (but stolen) photos. The property listed either doesn’t exist, or isn’t available for rent.
- The overbooked property: They might accept multiple deposits for the same property, creating a chaotic situation with multiple “renters” trying to get the same space.
- Pressure to pay quickly: Scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to pay quickly before you’ve had a chance to verify details or inspect the property. They may use scare tactics or manipulative language to make you feel like you’ll miss out if you don’t act immediately.
- The inflated deposit/rent: They may demand excessive deposits or rent that is not consistent with the property’s value, or that is not accurately described.
- Suspicious Contact and Bank Details: Scammers may use fake or misleading email addresses or phone numbers. They may insist on using untraceable payment methods or provide suspicious bank details.
How can foreigners protect themselves against these rental scams?
-
See the property in person:
Never pay any money before physically seeing the property and confirming it exists.
-
Verify the landlord:
Always verify the legitimacy of the listing and landlord through multiple channels and insist on seeing the property in person.
-
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true:
An amazing apartment in the city center for way below market price? If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often attract victims with deals that just aren’t possible through legal means.
-
Avoid upfront payments:
If someone asks you to make a down-payment for the deposit, rent, or give money for sending the keys, it’s a clear sign of a rental scam.
-
Use secure payment methods:
Use secure payment methods and avoid wire transfers or cash payments.
-
Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics:
If a real estate agent puts pressure on you to move quickly after approving your application and even asks you to pay the deposit immediately via bank transfer or in cash, you should be extremely careful.
-
Report suspicious activity:
If you realize a suspicious rental listing or believe you’ve been a victim of rental scams or data theft, you should report it immediately. Many websites even include a report button or similar features on the same page as the ad and you can there. If you think you stepped into a rental scammer’s trap, you should contact the police immediately and notify the platform where you found the ad. If you issued a payment via credit card or agreed to pay via direct debit, contact your bank as soon as possible. The support team can help you through the chargeback process to try to get your money back.
Conclusion
By being aware of these common rental scams and taking necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud when renting in Tehran. With Home Real Estate, you can easily rent your ideal apartment without the risk of rental scams.
