Rental scams: Police warn of sophisticated housing fraud

Police are warning the public about increasingly sophisticated rental scams targeting individuals looking for housing. Fraudsters often post attractive, low-priced listings for apartments or rooms, posing as owners or agents to solicit reservation fees, deposits, or first month's rent before cutting off contact.

In some advanced cases, scammers temporarily rent a legitimate property to host in-person viewings, lending a false sense of credibility to the scam. Authorities advise potential tenants to compare prices with similar local listings and to use verified portals and trusted real estate agents.

Additionally, suspicious advertisements have been noted where landlords offer free housing and meals in exchange for vague requirements or personal companionship. One specific instance in Zielona Góra involved an offer for a free room and meals that included highly specific and ambiguous requirements regarding the tenant's age and appearance.