Fraudulent real estate agents targets students in north Cyprus: Get deposits and disappear

Students in northern Cyprus are being targeted by scammers who uses fake real estate ads on social media and disappear after collecting deposits.

According to the report by Kibris Postasis, the real estate fraud cases witnessed an increase during this period when students are looking for housing in the TRNC.

Residents are being lured into a trap, especially on social media platforms and the famous confession pages of the TRNC, with advertisements stating that they will transfer their homes.

Scammers gain the trust of people looking for a home by attracting attention with attractive rental conditions and affordable prices.

Scammers who ask for a deposit from those who trust the ads and contact them, block the numbers and disappear after receiving the money.

An ad shared on a confession page on social media is one example of this scam...

The advertiser creates victimization by stating that he will transfer his house urgently with the phrase "Hello, I am transferring my house urgently, I had an accident, 1+1 furnished in Kyrenia for 320 STG". The scammer gains trust with this method and asks for a deposit from those who contact him. However, after receiving the money, he blocks the numbers and disappears.

The proliferation of such advertisements has attracted the attention of students and others, especially those looking for a home.

It is important to be careful against such fraud attempts and to report suspicious advertisements to the authorities.

***Don't send or give money to anyone you don't know personally or met in person no matter the business involved.