Question 1

What is the "Fake Apartment Rental Platform Fraud" scam in Chisinau?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent short-term rental listings for central Chisinau apartments are posted on international booking platforms and local Moldovan classified sites. Scammers use photos of real properties near Stefan cel Mare Boulevard or the city centre and request advance payment via wire transfer or Western Union. On arrival, victims find the apartment unavailable, locked, or already occupied by legitimate residents who have no knowledge of any rental arrangement. Book accommodation only through platforms with secure payment protection and verified host identities. Avoid paying directly into personal bank accounts before viewing or receiving an official confirmation from the platform.

Question 2

What is the "Wine Tour Phishing and Fake Booking Websites" scam in Chisinau?

Accepted Answer

Moldova is a major wine tourism destination and fake tour booking websites mimicking established Chisinau wine tour operators have appeared targeting travellers researching trips to wineries such as Cricova or Milestii Mici. These sites collect card payments for tours that are never confirmed, often using slight misspellings of legitimate operator names and copied branding. Book wine tours directly through verified operators or through officially recommended agencies listed on official Moldovan tourism resources. Search for the operator independently rather than clicking promoted links, and verify the site URL carefully before payment.

Online Scams in Chisinau

Fake Apartment Rental Platform Fraud

Wine Tour Phishing and Fake Booking Websites

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