Part 1. Breaking down popular scam schemes for renting accommodation and transport.

Renting accommodation:

• Fake adverts. Fraudsters place ads on rental sites and social networks, using photos of real objects. They ask for an advance payment and disappear after receiving the money.
• Double rent. The same flat is rented to several people at once, and the scammer disappears with the deposit.
  Illegal fines and deposit withholding.
• The landlord refuses to return the deposit, citing ‘damages’ or comes up with additional fines.
  Additional payments.
• The landlord demands payment of inflated utility bills or includes extra charges.

Precautions:

• Request a video call with the landlord and a live showing of the flat.
• Sign a contract with the landlord's passport details and pay rent only after a personal inspection of the property or if your relatives have already used the agent's services.
• Use trusted marketplaces, such as Airbnb, Booking or agencies with a licence.
• When checking in, take photos and videos of the condition of the flat (especially furniture, appliances, walls). Negotiate deposit return terms in advance. Include them in the rental agreement.
• Clarify which services are included in the rent and which are paid separately, ask for official invoices and receipts. Spell out the terms of payment for utilities and their rates in the contract.
• Check the reputation of the landlord. Look for reviews and references from previous tenants.
• Rent vehicles (autos, bikes, jet skis):
• Damage Charges. The renter is presented with non-existent damage and demanded to pay for repairs.
• Fake fines and vehicle seizures. Some landlords work in collusion with the ‘police’ or simply take the vehicle under the pretext of violations and then demand a ransom.
• Auto framing. Someone deliberately provokes an accident and offers to settle the matter on the spot, demanding an amount that is usually higher than the insurance coverage.

Precautions:

- Inspect the vehicle before renting, video and photograph all damage, including your helmet. Document defects on the contract.
- Rent only insured vehicles.
- Hire vehicles from trusted companies with good references. Do not leave your passport as collateral.
- Familiarise yourself with traffic rules.
- If the vehicle is towed, call the real police.
- If there is an accident, don't pay on the spot, call the police and the insurance company. Notify your landlord.
- Use a video recorder. In disputed situations, insist on official proceedings.