Accommodation Scams in Medellín

Fake Short-Term Rental Deposit Theft

Fraudulent short-term rental listings targeting tourists advertise well-priced apartments in El Poblado and Laureles on Facebook Marketplace and local classifieds. Victims are asked to pay a cash deposit or wire transfer to "secure the booking" before arrival; on check-in day the address does not exist, the phone number is disconnected, or a genuine tenant answers the door. This scam has grown alongside Medellín's boom in digital-nomad tourism.