An American family currently living in Madrid is warning others about the risk of rental scams in Spain after falling victim to a convincing fraud while planning their move to the Costa del Sol.

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The family, who have been sharing their journey of moving to Madrid, Spain, travelling around the country and Europe, and now relocating to the southern coast through their popular Instagram account (with around 70,000 followers at the time of writing), say they were caught off guard despite feeling confident in their experience to begin with. What started as a search for a short-term rental through the property portal Idealista ended in the loss of funds and a race to secure new accommodation just weeks before their move.

Their story is a reminder that scams in Spain’s rental market are not always obvious and can affect even the most informed and well-connected residents.

Listen to their story here

How the Scam Happened

The family discovered a rental listing on Idealista that seemed perfect for their needs. After an initial conversation on the platform, the exchange continued over WhatsApp, something that felt normal at the time. The scammer answered their questions in detail, and everything seemed legitimate. They were even sent a rental contract that included NIE numbers and what appeared to be proper signatures.

Trusting that everything was in order, the family transferred the deposit by bank transfer.

Unfortunately, the listing was fake. The person they had been speaking with was not the actual owner of the property, and the home wasn’t available. Once the money was sent, communication stopped. With only a short time left before their planned move, they were left scrambling to find a new place to stay.

Red Flags to Watch For

Looking back, the family noted some subtle warning signs that they had missed:

• The conversation moved quickly off-platform
• There was subtle time pressure to confirm the booking
• The rental seemed almost too perfect for the price
• Minor inconsistencies in listing details became clearer only later

They now strongly advise against using Idealista, or similar listing sites, for short-term rentals, especially when payment is requested via direct bank transfer.

What to Do If You’re Scammed in Spain

If you suspect you’ve fallen for a rental scam, take action immediately:

1. Contact a local lawyer – A legal professional can file a formal court order to initiate a judicial investigation, which goes beyond simply filing a police report.
2. Notify the platform – Report the fraudulent listing to Idealista or whichever website was used so it can be taken down.
3. Call your bank straight away – They can help launch a fraud investigation and may be able to recall the payment if action is taken quickly.

Safer Ways to Book Rentals in Spain from Abroad

When booking accommodation remotely, short-term rentals can be tricky to navigate. While many people turn to sites like Idealista, they’re often better suited to long-term lets or local renters who can visit properties in person. For those planning from afar, here are some safer alternatives:

• Use platforms with protection: Booking.com, Airbnb, and Vrbo offer verified listings, secure payments, and clear cancellation policies.
• Look for Superhosts or verified agencies: On Airbnb, Superhosts are generally more reliable. On other platforms, choose listings managed by professional rental agencies.
• Never send money directly to individuals: Avoid wire transfers or direct deposits unless you’ve signed a legal contract and verified the ownership of the property.
• Google the address: If it appears for rent elsewhere, especially at different prices, that can be a red flag.
• Ask for a live video tour: Scammers often avoid this. A legitimate owner or agent will usually agree.
• Read reviews: Multiple positive reviews (especially recent ones) help validate a listing’s authenticity.

Extra Tips When You Can’t Be There in Person

If you absolutely must secure a rental before arriving:

• Hire a relocation agent: They can physically visit the property, confirm ownership, and handle communication on your behalf.
• Get everything in writing: Confirm all booking details via email, and keep screenshots of any messages or documents shared.
• Use a second opinion: Have a friend or family member look over the listing, contract, and conversation. They might catch something you missed.
• Take your time: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Pause and verify each step before committing.

Spreading Awareness Through Their Experience

Although they’re still in the process of relocating, the family remains hopeful that everything will fall into place soon. More importantly, they’re committed to helping others avoid what they went through.

As more international families consider relocating to Spain, especially to popular areas like the Costa del Sol, it’s important to share real experiences like these. Rental scams are unfortunately common, particularly in high-demand areas during peak summer months, but with better awareness and more cautious planning, they can often be avoided.

Main image: Shutterstock/Jakub Zerdzicki