The "landlord" was always "in another country"

I needed a room in a new city.

The “landlord” was always abroad—business, family emergency—but the lease PDF and photos looked convincing by email.

Each time I asked to meet, a new delay appeared.

They took first month plus deposit to “hold” keys until a representative could meet me.

No representative ever came.

Overseas landlord scams avoid viewings and push wire or gift cards.

The flat might be real or stolen listing—either way the person paid was not the owner.

I felt sorry for their travel story and did not want to seem difficult insisting on an in-person tour.

When the number died and the ad vanished, I went to the address—wrong building, or already rented to someone with a real lease.

Rent money and stability disappeared the same week; I slept on a friend’s couch while restarting the search.

If someone will not meet or use a licensed local agent, I walk away.

“Always abroad” is a red flag, not a sob story.

• Insist on viewing or verified video with proof of ownership.
• Report rental fraud to police and listing platforms.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.