Question 1

What is the "Online Rental Deposit Fraud" scam in Budva?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent apartment listings for Budva and Bečići target tourists searching on Google and social media, offering beachfront apartments at below-market rates. After a deposit of 100–300 EUR is paid by international bank transfer or Western Union, the host becomes unresponsive or claims the booking cannot be confirmed. The property either does not exist or belongs to someone unaware their photos were stolen for the listing. Book only through reputable platforms with buyer protection mechanisms. Never transfer a deposit via Western Union, MoneyGram, or direct bank transfer to an individual. Reverse image search the listing photos to check if they appear on legitimate hotel or rental sites. Contact the Budva tourist office to verify if an address is a registered rental property.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Apartment Rental Deposit Loss" scam in Budva?

Accepted Answer

Fraudsters posing as property owners advertise short-term apartments in Budva's Old Town or near Mogren beach on social platforms and informal rental groups. They collect a deposit or full payment via bank transfer, then go silent or provide a fake address. The property either does not exist or belongs to someone else entirely. Book only through established platforms with buyer protection such as Booking.com or Airbnb. Never transfer money directly to a private individual based on a social media listing alone.

Online Scams in Budva

Online Rental Deposit Fraud

Fake Apartment Rental Deposit Loss

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