Interior Ministry warns students against rental housing scams ahead of academic year

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued an urgent warning to citizens, particularly incoming students, regarding fraudulent schemes exploiting seasonal demand for rental accommodation.

According to police authorities, scammers post fake listings on online portals offering properties well below market rates and pressure prospective tenants to wire upfront deposits to "secure" the rental. Once payments are made, the fraudsters sever all communication.

The Ministry advises the public never to transfer advance funds without conducting in-person viewings and verifying ownership documents, cautioning against urgency tactics such as claims of competing buyers. Victims and witnesses are urged to report suspicious listings immediately to law enforcement.

N.Tebrizli