Accommodation scams in France: what you need to know!

It is very difficult to find accommodation in the big cities in France. Some ill-intentioned people take advantage of the situation to offer scams. We give you our advice to avoid them!

1. Beware of low prices

Our advice is to check the rental prices in your city and neighborhood.

👉Discover this rent price simulator

2. Check the photos

• Forget the accommodation ads without photos

• Try a reverse search on Google by dragging the photo of the ad into the search bar here

3. Do not send your rental file before the visit, and do not provide confidential documents

You can find some example of confidential documents here:

• Photo

• Vital Card (Health insurance card)

• Medical file

• Certificate of maintenance of your bank account

• Copy of your bank account statements

• Certificate of absence of credit

• Direct debit authorization

• Marriage contract, PACS or cohabitation certificate

• Extract from your criminal record

4. Do not send money until you have signed the lease

• Refuse the reservation check

• Refuse to send money by Western Union, Toneo First or Mandat Cash

5. Beware of offers 'in exchange for services'

• Some people offer very low or free rent in exchange for services. This could be sexual or other services.

• Do not respond to this kind of offer and if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask for advice or to be accompanied by a friend.

⚠️ You can report a scam on the government website