What is the "Online Rental Deposit Fraud" scam in Port Louis?

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Fraudulent vacation rental listings for Port Louis apartments and villas near the Caudan Waterfront or Grand Baie appear on general listing platforms at below-market rates. Victims are asked to pay a deposit via bank transfer or informal payment app to "secure" the property, but receive no keys on arrival — the landlord is unreachable and the listing disappears. Mauritius's rental market has limited regulation, making these hard to trace. Book accommodations only through platforms with secure payment escrow (funds released only after check-in confirmation). Never transfer money directly to a Mauritian bank account based on a listing alone. Verify the property address exists using Google Street View before paying anything. For stays over one week, request a signed rental agreement before any deposit is sent.

Online Scams in Port Louis

Online Rental Deposit Fraud

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