# Rise in rental housing scams in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rise-in-rental-housing-scams-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-10-12T07:55:55.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Austria and Greece have issued warnings regarding an increase in rental housing scams. In Vienna, the Chamber of Labour reported that fraudsters are targeting young people at the start of the academic year by using stolen photos from platforms like Airbnb and offering unusually low prices. These scammers typically demand security deposits in advance and use excuses to avoid physical viewings, leaving victims without housing or their money.

Similarly, in Crete, police reported an increase in deceptive calls and digital fraud. One documented case involved a student who paid three months of rent in advance for an apartment in Palaio Faliro. The perpetrator had been using the property for short-term Airbnb rentals and had staged the apartment with furniture to deceive the tenant. Upon arrival, the student discovered the residence was already occupied by vacationers.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Crete police warn of rising scams after student rental fraud

Police in Crete are warning of rising scams after a student was defrauded of three months' rent by a fake landlord in Palaio Faliro using a deceptive online rental listing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crete-police-warn-of-rising-scams-after-student-rental-fraud

### 2026-09-15: Vienna Chamber of Labour warns of rising rental housing scams

The Chamber of Labour in Vienna warns of rising rental scams targeting students and apprentices using fake listings and stolen photos to steal security deposits.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vienna-chamber-of-labour-warns-of-rising-rental-housing-scams

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Cite as: Rise in rental housing scams in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rise-in-rental-housing-scams-in-europe