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