Hundreds defrauded in rental scams offering nonexistent homes

Hundreds of people in the Netherlands have been defrauded by scammers offering rental homes that either do not exist or are not actually for rent, often losing hundreds of euros in deposit payments that are never returned, RTL reports.

The Fraudehelpdesk received 250 reports of rental fraud or attempted fraud in 2025, with at least half of those reporting losing money. The true number of victims is likely higher, as not all incidents are reported.

Scammers are increasingly using social media platforms like TikTok to make their offers appear legitimate. Accounts such as 'Réal estate15' and 'Réal estate12' post videos of random homes, then request payments ranging from 100 euros for a viewing to 400 euros to be the “only” respondent. Some victims have been asked for even higher amounts.

To lend credibility to their schemes, fraudsters use real data from established landlords, including information from housing corporation Woonbedrijf in Eindhoven. Scammers often copy website texts, company registration numbers, and corporate addresses.

Woonbedrijf reported at least 20 victims and has filed complaints about the misuse of its corporate information. Marcel Trip of the Woonbond, an organization representing renters and housing seekers, called the scams “a new kind of fraud” and “a new low point.”

Trip stressed that official housing corporation applications occur through their own websites and not through social media platforms like TikTok.

In The Hague, the problem has affected dozens of residents. One victim, Nikki, responded to a Facebook ad and paid multiple deposits totaling 500 euros for a property viewing. She ultimately lost all contact with the alleged landlord. “I have been without a home for a year now. The worst part is that you’re afraid to respond to any more ads because you might get scammed again,” she told RTL.

Trip noted that it is understandable why some renters fall victim, especially those urgently seeking housing. “Perhaps it involves people who will soon have to leave their current home or who are currently sleeping on friends’ couches,” he said.