1. Payment before the viewing
The number-one scam. The "landlord" asks you to pay the deposit or first month before you've even viewed the place, often on the pretext that "lots of people are interested".
Golden rule: never pay a cent before you've viewed the home and signed a lease.
2. The landlord "abroad"
A classic variant: the landlord explains they're an expat, travelling, or abroad, that they therefore can't show you around, but that they'll send the keys once payment is received. This is almost always a scam.
3. The Western Union transfer (or crypto)
If you're asked to pay via Western Union, cash transfer, prepaid cards or cryptocurrency, run. These payment methods are untraceable and unrecoverable — no serious landlord uses them.
4. The bank card scan
Some "agencies" ask for a photocopy or scan of your bank card "to check your solvency". This is forbidden and dangerous. A landlord may only ask for your payslips (or your guarantor's), never your banking details.
5. Fake photos on classified ads
On platforms like Marktplaats (the local equivalent of classifieds sites), advertisers use photos of beautiful homes that are already rented as bait, while the real property is in poor condition — or doesn't exist.
Check: run a reverse image search on the photos. If they show up on ten other listings, be suspicious.
6. "Key money" and illegal contract fees
Some landlords demand a sum "to secure the home" (key money, sleutelgeld, contract fees). This is illegal in the Netherlands. You should only pay the rent, the utilities and the deposit set out in the lease.
7. Agency fees charged to the tenant
A rental agent who works for the landlord is not allowed to charge you mediation fees (as the tenant). If you're asked for a commission while the agent represents the landlord, the answer is no.
8. The sloppy or non-existent lease
No written contract, a vague lease, no mention of the possibility of registration (inschrijving)… these are all warning signs. Always insist on a clear, written lease.
The ultimate reflex: check the real owner
Have doubts about the landlord's identity? The Dutch public land registry (Kadaster) lets you find out, for about €3, who really owns a property. A few euros that can save you thousands.
Anti-scam checklist
- ☐ I've viewed the home (or had a trusted person view it) before any payment
- ☐ The landlord agrees to meet me
- ☐ I'm not asked for Western Union, crypto, or a bank card scan
- ☐ No "key money" or mediation fees charged to me
- ☐ I have a written lease, with registration allowed
- ☐ I've checked the owner on the Kadaster if needed
Want to search without risk? Book a free discovery call: as professionals based in Amsterdam, we view properties, verify owners and secure every step for you.
In summary
Scams in Amsterdam all play on urgency and distance. The best antidote fits in one sentence: never pay before you've viewed and signed, and always check who you're dealing with. With these reflexes — or a local professional at your side — you eliminate 99% of the risk.