Rental scams in the Netherlands: 9 warning signs and how to stay safe

Short answer: never pay a deposit or rent before you have seen the home (in person or on a live video call with someone inside), checked that the landlord actually owns or manages it, and signed a written contract. Any request to skip one of those steps is the biggest warning sign there is.

Because good homes in Amsterdam are scarce and move fast, scammers know newcomers feel pressure to act immediately. That urgency is exactly what they exploit.

How rental scams usually work

• The "owner abroad" story — the landlord says they moved overseas and will post the keys once you transfer the deposit. The home either doesn't exist or belongs to someone else.
• Cloned listings — real photos are copied from a genuine listing and reposted at a lower price, with a different contact person.
• WhatsApp-only landlords — the conversation moves off the platform straight away and the "landlord" refuses a phone or video call.
• Fake booking or escrow services — you're sent to a professional-looking payment page that belongs to the scammer, not to Airbnb, Booking.com or any real platform.
• Paid viewings or "reservation fees" — you're asked for money just to see the home or to hold it for you.
• Stolen identities — a copy of a passport is sent to build trust. A passport photo proves nothing: scammers use stolen documents.

9 red flags

1. The price is well below comparable homes in the same area.

2. You're asked to pay before a viewing.

3. The landlord can't or won't show the home, even over live video.

4. Payment must go through Western Union, crypto, gift cards or a foreign bank account.

5. Pressure: "many people are interested, pay today or lose it."

6. The contact avoids calls and only writes via WhatsApp or email.

7. The address can't be found, or doesn't match the photos on Google Street View.

8. No written contract, or a contract without the landlord's full name and address.

9. You're asked for a copy of your passport and bank card before anything is agreed.

How to check a listing yourself

• Do a reverse image search on the photos (Google Lens) to see if they appear elsewhere.
• Check the address on Google Maps and Street View.
• Ask for the owner's name and check it against the Kadaster (Dutch land registry) for a small fee.
• Only pay to a Dutch bank account in the name of the landlord or agency on the contract.
• Real agencies have a KVK (Chamber of Commerce) number you can look up at kvk.nl.

What to do if you have already paid

1. Contact your bank immediately — sometimes a transfer can still be stopped.

2. Report it to the police (politie.nl, online report for internet fraud).

3. Report it to the Fraudehelpdesk (fraudehelpdesk.nl).

4. Report the listing on the platform where you found it.

5. Keep all messages, screenshots and payment receipts.

How RentalHunter protects you

Every home we propose comes from our network of 150+ known brokers, property managers, investors and agents. We verify the landlord or agency, arrange a real viewing, check the contract before you sign, and you never pay a deposit to someone we haven't checked. Our own fee is only due after you sign a lease. RentalHunter is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK 68178867).