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Safe dealing

How to rent or buy safely, how you recognise fraud and how to report a suspicious advertisement to us.

Last updated: 5 Oct 2026Applies to: realestate24.gr

The 5 golden rules

  • Do not pay a deposit, guarantee or ‘booking fee’ before you see the property in person.
  • Do not send money via Western Union, cryptocurrencies, gift cards or to a foreign bank account.
  • Ask to see an ID and title deed or, for an agent, their registration number.
  • Sign an agreement and pay the rent into a bank account in the owner’s name.
  • If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Report the listing.

1. Signs of fraud

  • Price much lower than others in the area (check the ‘Price relative to area’ indicator on each listing).
  • The ‘owner’ says they are abroad and will send you the keys by courier.
  • Pressure to decide immediately because ‘there are many interested parties’.
  • They want to continue only via email or WhatsApp and avoid phone calls or meetings.
  • Professional photos, identical to another website, or unrelated to the description.
  • They send you a ‘secure payment’ link allegedly from realestate24. We never collect rent or deposits.

2. For those looking for a property

  • Visit the property with someone you know, especially if you are a student.
  • Check that the key works, that heating, hot water and electrical appliances work, and ask about shared expenses.
  • Ask for the Energy Performance Certificate and keep photos of the property’s condition on the day of handover.
  • The lease is declared by the owner to the tax authorities. Ask for a copy, as you will need it for student housing allowance.

3. For those booking accommodation

  • Every short-term rental accommodation must have a Registration Number (ΑΜΑ), which is shown in the listing.
  • Talk to the host on the phone, agree in writing on price, dates and cancellation policy and ask for a receipt.
  • Read reviews from other visitors. They are checked before publication.
  • If asked for a deposit, make it only in a way that leaves a trace (bank transfer to a Greek account in the host’s or business’s name).

4. For those posting a listing

  • Do not send documents or identity details to strangers before meeting them.
  • Beware of ‘tenants’ who pay more and ask you to return the difference. It is a known scam.
  • We never ask for codes or card details via email or phone. Payments are made only from the ‘Promotion’ page of your account.
  • Show the property during the day and, if possible, with someone else present.

5. If you have been a victim of fraud

  1. Stop all communication and do not pay anything else.
  2. Inform your bank immediately to block or dispute the payment.
  3. File a report with the Cyber Crime Directorate (tel. 11188, ccu@cybercrimeunit.gov.gr).
  4. Report the listing so we can remove it and protect others.

6. How we check listings

Every listing is confirmed via email. We limit listings per user and per day, and review every report you send us. Real estate agencies with the ‘Verified’ badge have been checked for their registration number or business registration. However, we cannot inspect every property in person. This is why the rules on this page are your best protection.

Questions? Write to us · info@realestate24.gr