Tyrol warns flat hunters about fake rental listings

The Tyrol Chamber of Labour is warning about fake property listings, ORF reports. With many people in Innsbruck looking for accommodation before the new academic year, students and other flat hunters could become targets.

One of the clearest warning signs is a price that seems too good to be true for a flat in an attractive location, said Markus Kröll, head of the Chamber of Labour’s rental and housing law department. He urged prospective tenants to ask critical questions if details in an advertisement appear doubtful.

People should not transfer money, including a deposit, before checking a listing carefully, Kröll said. Advertisements on established property websites should not be trusted automatically because they can be posted anonymously and free of charge.

Those who are uncertain can contact the Chamber of Labour’s rental and housing law department free of charge. Its staff can check offers and use their experience to advise whether they appear legitimate.

Kröll said it was difficult to determine whether more fake listings were currently circulating. However, the period before the start of the academic year naturally creates opportunities for fraudsters to target students, particularly those who have not yet signed a rental contract.

Innsbruck is especially affected because of its size, the Chamber of Labour said. Fake listings cannot be ruled out for flats in rural areas either.