StayScoutFinding housing in Amsterdam is already a challenge. The shortage of rooms and the huge demand from students, interns, and expats make the search stressful. Unfortunately, scammers know this too. Every year, hundreds of newcomers to Amsterdam lose money to fake landlords, false listings, and shady rental deals.
If you’re planning to rent a room or apartment, it’s essential to learn how to spot these traps before it’s too late. In this guide, we’ll explain why rental scams in Amsterdam are so common, the most frequent tricks scammers use, and the practical steps you can take to protect yourself.
Why Rental Scams Are Common in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s housing crisis has created the perfect environment for scammers. Demand for rooms and apartments is much higher than supply, which means students, interns, and expats often feel pressure to grab the first option they see. Scammers exploit this urgency and take advantage of newcomers who don’t yet understand the Dutch housing market.
There are a few key reasons why rental scams in Amsterdam are so widespread:
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Severe housing shortage – With thousands of new students and expats arriving every year, there simply aren’t enough rooms available. This desperation makes people more likely to fall for fake offers.
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International renters are vulnerable – Many students and interns move from abroad and cannot visit a room in person before signing. Scammers know this and target them with convincing photos or fake contracts.
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Facebook and online platforms – While housing groups on Facebook are popular, they’re also full of fraudulent listings. Scammers post attractive, low-priced rooms that don’t exist, hoping to get fast deposits.
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Lack of awareness – First-time renters in Amsterdam may not know about Dutch rules like registration (inschrijving) or standard rental contracts, so it’s easier for scammers to trick them.
👉 In short: the high demand, low supply, and inexperience of international renters make Amsterdam one of the hotspots for rental fraud in Europe.
Most Common Rental Scams in Amsterdam
Here are some of the most common fraud tactics and how you can spot them:
1. Listings That Are “Too Good to Be True”
Scammers lure victims with prices well below Amsterdam’s market rate, especially for central locations—an easy red flag. Legitimate platforms and resources like Funda or Pararius can provide accurate pricing benchmarks.
2. Pressure to Pay Upfront Without Viewing
Some scammers demand deposits or first-month rent before any viewing takes place, often through untraceable methods like Western Union. Ask yourself: Would a legitimate landlord pressure me for payment before seeing the place? If yes - hit pause.
3. Refusing In-Person or Live Viewings
Avoid listings where the landlord claims they’re abroad or offers only prerecorded video tours. They often refuse to meet or show the property for a reason. When you're abroad, arrange for a trusted friend to visit - or request a live video walk-through to verify.
4. Fake or Stolen Listings
Scammers often use photos stolen from other real listings to make their posts look credible. Use reverse image search tools like Google Images to see if the same pictures appear elsewhere.
5. Dodgy Payment Methods
Red flags include requests for cash, Western Union, or cryptocurrency payments - especially with no receipts. Always opt for secure, trackable payments like bank transfers.
6. Rental Without the Right to Register
In Amsterdam, you legally must register your address (“inschrijving”) with the municipality. Landlords denying this are often operating illegal sublets or scams.
7. Fake Agents or Landlords
Scammers may impersonate agents or landlords who claim to be abroad. They hide behind vague or unprofessional communication. Always verify identities and request clarity.
8. Identity & Phishing Scams
Some scams are all about stealing your personal info. They’ll pose as landlords and ask for sensitive documents. Always verify identities and avoid sharing personal data prematurely.
Real Student Tip from Reddit
We found some tips that can help you spot scammers in Facebook housing groups more quickly.
Here’s what one Amsterdam student wrote on Reddit:
When I first joined the FB groups, I couldn’t believe how many scammers there were. Here’s how to filter them out quickly:
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No profile photo or overly attractive stranger? Skip.
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Low friend count? Skip.
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Comments disabled? Skip.
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Angry reactions or scam warnings? Skip.
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Being redirected to contact a “landlord” via WhatsApp? Skip.”
Here’s also an example of how scammers in FB groups usually operate.
How Can You Protect Yourself
Even though rental scams are common in Amsterdam, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
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Always ask about registration (inschrijving) – If a landlord cannot provide registration, the rental may be illegal or a scam.
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Never pay before signing a contract – Legitimate landlords will let you view the room and sign documents first.
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Check the landlord’s identity – Ask for ID and proof of ownership. If they refuse, walk away.
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Verify listings – Use reverse image search to check if photos appear on other sites.
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Use trusted platforms – Pararius, Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, and Room.nl are more reliable than random social media posts.
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Be careful in Facebook groups – Always check the profile of the poster, friend count, and comments for warnings.
💡 Use rental alert tools: Platforms like StayScout scan Facebook housing groups and filter out suspicious listings automatically, helping you avoid scams and act faster when real opportunities appear. But remember - no tool is 100% scam-proof. Always use your own judgment and double-check before sending money.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Although fraud can happen to anyone, if you have been scammed by rental scammers, you should do the following:
- Report it to Fraudehelpdesk.nl.
- Contact your bank immediately.
- File a report with the Dutch police.
- Warn others in student and expat groups.
Final Thoughts – Stay Safe While Finding Housing
Finding housing in Amsterdam is challenging, and scammers make it even harder. But if you stay alert, ask the right questions, and use trusted platforms, you can protect yourself from fraud.
Stay cautious, trust your instincts, and don’t let anyone rush you into making a payment. If something feels off, it probably is.
👉 Looking for a safer way to find housing? StayScout helps students, interns, and expats by filtering scam listings and sending alerts when real rooms appear. With the right tools and a careful approach, you can secure a home in Amsterdam without falling victim to scams.