We have sad news for you - rental scams are on the rise. One of the latest scams involves fake hosts impersonating Flatio. The scammers are posing as Flatio hosts on various renting platforms to steal your money. Here’s how this dangerous scam works and what you must do to stay protected:
How the scam works
- Fake Advertisements – Scammers create listings for non-existent flats and post them on various rental platforms, often with appealing photos and below-market rental prices to attract interest.
- Mentioning Flatio – When potential tenants inquire, the fraudster insists that the transaction had to be completed through Flatio invoice, making the offer seem legitimate.
- Fake Bank Accounts – Instead of guiding the tenant to the official Flatio system, the scammer provides a fake bank account with a Flatio logo and branding, giving the illusion of authenticity.
- False Sense of Security – Tenants believe that their money is protected by Flatio’s platform when, in reality, they are sending funds directly to scammers.
- Loss of Money – After transferring the payment, tenants realize that neither the host nor the property exists, and their money is gone with no way to recover it.
How to protect yourself
To avoid falling victim to such scams, follow these essential guidelines:
- Always Do the Final Book Through the Official Flatio Website – Flatio handles all transactions securely within its platform. Never send money outside of Flatio’s system.
- Verify the host’s Identity – Flatio verifies hosts, so ensure that all communication stays within the platform. If someone tries to communicate outside of Flatio’s messaging system, be suspicious.
- Check the Payment Process – Flatio never asks tenants to transfer money directly to a host’s personal bank account. Payments should only be made through Flatio’s official payment system, which provides protection.
- Look for Red Flags – If a host is rushing you to pay, offers a deal that seems too good to be true, or communicates only via unofficial channels, be cautious.
- Ask for More Information – If you are unsure about a listing, ask the host for more details about the property. A genuine host will be willing to provide additional information.
- Report Suspicious Activity – If you encounter a potential scam, report it to Flatio immediately so appropriate actions can be taken to prevent others from becoming victims.
How the fake communication can look like
What Flatio is doing to combat scams
Flatio is dedicated to ensuring a secure and reliable rental experience. The platform employs strict verification processes to check hosts’ credentials, monitors listings for suspicious activity, and provides a secure payment gateway to protect tenants.
Additionally, Flatio encourages users to report any suspicious listings or communications so that immediate action can be taken against fraudulent accounts. By working together, we can create a safer rental marketplace.
You can read about previous scams in our help center article How to recognize the scammers.
Flatio: Secure rental accommodation
Why choose Flatio to rent your accommodation? Discover the unique features that make us the perfect choice:
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
- Large selection of accommodation (rooms, apartments, houses, etc.)
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- Visa-friendly lease agreements
- Online signing of lease agreement
- Renting directly from hosts
- No deposit for stays under 180 days (unless required by local law)
- Balanced lease agreement, translated into several languages
- Favorable cancelation policy
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
