18 Cases of Property Fraud so Far in 2025
Superintendent Fábio Castro told a meeting in Umadeira that the Regional Command of the PSP recorded 18 fraud cases linked to the purchase or rental of property in the first half of 2025. By comparison, the PSP recorded 39 cases of the same type in 2024. The figures cover scams related to both buying and renting homes, the police said.
How the Property Fraud Schemes Work
According to the police, scammers place fake listings on the internet. They present properties as available under better conditions than normal and ask for a deposit. Often the requested deposit is high for the rental or sale, and the scammers ask for quick payment, saying the property is in strong demand.
After a payment is made, the person who posted the ad can disappear from online contact, leaving the buyer or renter without the home and without their money. This scheme is arguably nothing new, but the housing crisis in Madeira makes it likely for people to fall for it: because they need a place to live.
They usually ask for a deposit that is very high for the type of rental, and often demand urgency in paying it, saying that the house is in high demand, so quick payment is required. Then, once people make the payment, the scammers disappear completely from the network. This is the most frequent scam when it comes to the purchase or rental of real estate.
Fábio Castro, RTP Madeira
Advice From the Authorities
Fábio Castro offered clear advice to people looking for short-term rentals or property purchases: "Prevent, doubt and report." The PSP also told people to check the legitimacy of an ad and its contacts, avoid payments outside secure platforms, and report suspicious activity to the police.
Police recommended specific checks: ask for extra information about the home, request interior and exterior photos, and ask for contracts for water, electricity and gas. They also advised people to look up the property on Google Maps and other online networks to confirm details and to check whether the same images appear in other ads, which can be a sign of fraud.
What Victims Should Do if They Suspect a Scam
If someone suspects a listing is false, the PSP said they should keep all evidence. Save contacts, emails, links, IBAN numbers and photos of the property. Those items help to file a formal complaint with the authorities. The police stressed that avoiding payments outside secure platforms is key, and that collecting documentation before paying can help prevent loss.
The PSP urged caution and careful checks for anyone planning to rent a property for holidays or to buy a home through online ads.
Source: RTP Madeira
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