AZE.US
Two female students in Azerbaijan say they were targeted in a rental scam after responding to an online listing for a country house.
According to Baku TV, the students found the property on Bina.az and contacted a man who presented himself as a real estate agent. He asked for a 50-manat prepayment to reserve the house, along with a photo of an identity card.
After receiving the money and personal document, the man allegedly stopped responding regularly to calls and messages and failed to provide the exact location of the property.
The students said he repeatedly postponed a viewing. Their friends later contacted the same person separately and were told that the house was still available for rent.
They also claimed that the man introduced himself as Elnur, although his real name was Elgun.
Experts warn that online property platforms can be exploited by scammers, particularly when users are not fully verified. Consumers are advised not to transfer money before viewing a property and confirming the identity of the landlord or agent.
They are also urged not to share identity documents, personal identification numbers or bank details with unknown individuals.
After the television report was recorded, the parties reached an agreement. According to the complainant, the man returned the 50 manats he had received.
AZE.US