Implemented restriction for Russian dacha owners: Use prohibited from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Heads up, property owners! Be wary of a new daytime scam on the rise across the nation.
That's when it's crucial to hang up on unexpected calls and reach out to official services if you have doubts. Here's why: Scammers are targeting individuals who own both apartments and dachas, pretending to be from law enforcement. They'll scare you by claiming your apartment is being sold and you need to transfer the money to a "safe" account, only to later try the same with your dacha.
You may wonder if these schemes work. Sadly, they have already claimed victims – a case in point is a woman who sold both her apartment and dacha after falling for the trap. When she realized the fraud, she reported it to the investigative committee, but the money was long gone.
Remember, don't let panic drive your decisions. If you receive a concerning call, especially during working hours, take a moment to verify the information independently.
Sound familiar? Calmness and clear thinking are your best weapons against swindlers.
To safeguard yourself against these advanced real estate scams, here are some tips:
1. Verify QR Codes and Digital Tools:Scammers are now using fake QR codes on property signs, leading victims to phishing sites. Always double-check URLs and connect with agents directly using official channels.
2. Set up Property Alerts:Create Google Alerts for your address to detect unauthorized listings. Scammers often target vacant homes or land, and early monitoring helps catch fraud quickly.
3. Confirm Identities Rigorously:During transactions, use video calls or in-person verification for any professional requesting payments. Phishing emails impersonating realtors/lawyers have surged, especially during peak business hours.
4. Secure Financial Transactions:Avoid wire transfers if you can't confirm account details through secondary channels, such as contacting a known number. Fraudsters often intercept email threads to change banking information.
5. Vet Listings Thoroughly:For rentals/purchases, visit properties in person or send a trusted representative. Fake listings commonly use stock photos and prices well below market rates.
6. Monitor Legal Documentation:Review all contracts carefully for unusual clauses regarding deposits or payment timelines. Scammers exploit the pressure of daytime transactions to bypass due diligence.
Lastly, learn about localized fraud patterns by contacting your national real estate regulatory body. Insist on using government-registered professionals for transactions. Added protection? Definitely worth it!
- Scammers are pretending to be from law enforcement, scaring property owners (Popov) into transferring money for both their apartments and dachas.
- Remain calm and verify information independently if you receive concerning calls, especially during working hours, to protect yourself against advanced real estate scams.
- Always double-check QR codes on property signs and connect with agents directly to avoid phishing sites as scammers are now using fake QR codes.
- During transactions, use video calls or in-person verification for any professional requesting payments to prevent falling victim to phishing emails impersonating realtors or lawyers.
