The Team of the Civil Guard in Fuerteventurawithin the framework of Nanur researchidentified on July 25 a a person residing in the province of Madrid, 43 years of age and no police record alleged perpetrator of a crime of fraudhaving deceived a person residing in Fuerteventura, getting him to transfer the amount of 2,100 euros for the rental of a house that does not exist.
The Civil Guard was made aware of the events as a result of the complaint filed by the victim in the facilities of the Puerto del Rosario Postin which the injured person communicated his intention to reserve and rent a home on the island of Tenerife. Likewise, she sent 2,100 euros by bank transfer to the supposed landlord of the property, realizing later that she had been scammed when she verified that the house did not exist and that the alleged scammer had disappeared.
The scam was carried out by advertisement on a highly used web page by users, of a house allegedly located on the island of Tenerife. After contacting the injured person with the advertiser, the advertiser asks them to advance 2,100 euros as a deposit and two months’ rent, with which the property would be reserved and the definitive agreement to hand over the keys.
When the victim traveled to Tenerife on the agreed day, the perpetrator did not appear at the scene, verifying the scammed person that the house does not exist. The Team@ of the island of Fuerteventura, in the exercise of its specific functions in the field of cybercrime, collected all the data on the events that occurred, realizing that the alleged scammer had used the website as a tool to attract the victim, publishing a false rental advertisement with a house that did not correspond to realityand once he got the rent money in advance, he disappeared without a trace.
Security advice
How to avoid this type of scam? The Civil Guard advises that when a dwelling to be rented is identified, first verify that it exists, and that the alleged landlord also has access to it, requesting a prior appointment at the location, inquiring with a neighbor, etc.
Must have Be very careful with “bargain” ads or those that ask for speed in sending a deposit or deposit, because many times the objective of the rush is none other than to prevent possible victims from agreeing to send the money without verifying the property. Be wary of landlords who send all documentation electronically and avoid identifying yourself in person, since criminals often use false or impersonated documentation in this type of scam.
