High riskRental & Housing Scams

Serviced Apartment Scam

In this scam, a serviced apartment or aparthotel is advertised for a short stay, but the 'host' pushes off-platform payment or uses a fake listing, taking your money for accommodation that does not exist or is not theirs.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Off-platform / fake listing (short stay)
Main red flag
A serviced apartment host pushing off-platform payment for a short stay.
What to do first
Book and pay only through reputable, verifiable platforms.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a serviced apartment or aparthotel is advertised for a short stay, but the 'host' pushes off-platform payment or uses a fake listing, taking your money for accommodation that does not exist or is not theirs.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Lovely serviced apartment, cheaper if you pay me directly by transfer. Send the deposit to confirm your stay.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A push to pay off-platform by transfer
  • A listing or host you cannot verify
  • Prices below comparable serviced apartments
  • Pressure to confirm quickly
  • Copied photos or vague details

What to do

  • Book and pay through reputable, verifiable platforms
  • Keep communication and payment on the platform
  • Verify the listing and host
  • Be wary of off-platform discounts

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid off-platform, contact your bank to try to recover it
  • Report the host and listing to the platform
  • Keep messages and listing details as evidence
  • Report the scam to your local fraud authority

What not to do

  • Do not pay off-platform by transfer
  • Do not trust below-market prices
  • Do not skip verifying the listing

Similar scams

High risk Rental

Vacation Rental Scam

This scam uses a fake or hijacked holiday rental listing, often with copied photos and a below-market price, to pressure you into paying a deposit off-platform by bank transfer for a property that is not actually available.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Hotel Booking Scam

Hotel booking scams use fake listings or phishing messages that pose as a booking platform or the hotel itself. They ask you to 'reconfirm' payment off-platform, pay a deposit by transfer, or update card details for a room that may not really be available. Some come from hacked hotel chat or email accounts, making the request look genuine.
High risk Rental

Rental Deposit Scam

This scam advertises a desirable rental at a low price and demands a deposit before any viewing, then disappears once you pay.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a serviced apartment safely?
Use reputable, verifiable platforms, keep payment and communication on them, verify the listing and host, and avoid off-platform discounts.
The host offered a discount for paying directly. Safe?
No. Off-platform payment removes protections and is a common scam tactic. Pay only through the platform.
I paid off-platform. What now?
Contact your bank to try to recover it, report the host and listing, and keep your evidence.
How can I tell a listing is genuine?
Search the photos for reuse, read platform reviews, and verify the host before booking, keeping everything on the platform.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.