What is the "Accommodation Overbooking and Deposit Theft" scam in Buenos Aires?

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Fraudulent rental listings for apartments in Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta appear on booking platforms and local classified sites, offering attractive rates for short-term stays. Victims pay a deposit or full payment via wire transfer or crypto before arrival, only to find the property does not exist, is already occupied, or bears no resemblance to the listing photos. The scam has become more common as Buenos Aires has grown as a long-stay destination for digital nomads. Book only through platforms that hold payment in escrow until check-in (Airbnb, Booking.com) and never transfer funds directly to an unknown landlord. Cross-reference the listing address on Google Street View before paying. If renting privately, insist on a video call walkthrough of the property and verify the owner's identity document matches the lease.

Accommodation Scams in Buenos Aires

Accommodation Overbooking and Deposit Theft

Experienced a scam here?