Scammers use fake videos to promote non-existent apartments

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11: An advertisement for an apartment in Al-Fintas, offering three rooms, including a master bedroom, and a parking space for 250 dinars, might appear as an attractive deal at first glance. However, this seemingly enticing offer could be a trap set by fraudsters targeting those seeking to rent a home.

In recent days, various fabricated clips have been circulating on social media platforms, promoting apartments in investment buildings and private housing in prime areas at rents significantly lower than the market average for similar properties. These scammers typically steal videos from well-known apartment rental websites in Kuwait, then remove the original audio and replace it with other sounds using advanced technology. Sometimes, they retain the original sound but obscure the part where the broker discusses the price. Instead, they highlight a much lower price in the bio section to lure interested parties into quickly reserving the apartment by paying a deposit.

In reality, these apartments are not available for rent to anyone, and this is where the trap lies. Once the victim transfers the agreed-upon deposit, it is withdrawn from their account, leaving them defrauded.

The Central Bank of Kuwait has issued a warning against dealing with fictitious real estate accounts, advising tenants to exercise caution and take safety measures to avoid falling victim to these scams. These fraudsters often try to lend credibility to their operations by impersonating well-known real estate brokerage companies and using genuine videos of people promoting apartments in various areas of Kuwait.

To avoid becoming a victim of such scams, prospective tenants are advised to deal directly with reputable real estate companies in Kuwait or the property owners themselves. They should avoid suspicious accounts and refrain from paying any deposits until they have inspected the property in person. Payments should only be made to verified owners or trusted parties, and tenants should ensure they receive signed and stamped payment receipts to protect their rights in case of disputes.

Tips to protect yourself from apartment rental scams:

• Deal with reputable real estate companies.
• Inspect the property in person.
• Avoid paying deposits via links from suspicious sources.
• Sign the lease before making any payments.
• Obtain signed payment receipts from the owner to safeguard your rights.