Rental Fraud in Tourist Accommodation in Poland – How to Avoid Traps and Where to Seek Legal Assistance?

Tourist accommodation rentals in Poland are becoming increasingly popular, which unfortunately leads to a rise in the number of rental fraud cases in this sector. Rental fraud in Poland involves creating fake rental listings, known as so-called virtual lodgings, which appear on popular online platforms. These vacation scams in Poland often use attractive photos and low prices to lure unsuspecting tourists. After paying a deposit for the so-called virtual lodgings, contact with the landlord often breaks off, leaving tourists without accommodation and out of pocket.

Another common scam is the “tourist voucher” fraud, where scammers pose as legitimate property owners offering discounts on vacation stays using fake tourist vouchers.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Booking Accommodation

1. Lack of verification of the rental offer – Failing to thoroughly analyze reviews and opinions about the landlord and property, especially when it comes to so-called virtual lodgings.
2. Lack of a formal rental agreement – Not signing a rental agreement can make it difficult to pursue claims later, a common error in cases such as tourist voucher fraud.
3. Direct bank transfers – Making payments outside secure platforms can result in losing money, especially in apartment rental fraud.
4. Excessive trust in photos – Believing only in attractively presented photos without further verification of the property, often seen in “cottage” fraud.

How to Effectively Protect Yourself from Scammers?

• Verification of reviews and opinions – Using platforms that offer a user review system can help avoid vacation scams.
• Signing a rental agreement – Entering into a formal agreement that protects the interests of both parties, which is especially important in tourist voucher fraud.
• Using secure payment systems – Avoiding direct transfers to bank accounts minimizes the risk of rental fraud.
• Phone conversation with the landlord – Establishing rental details and verifying the landlord’s identity can protect against “cottage” fraud.
• Checking the location using Google Maps – Ensuring the property actually exists at the given address helps unmask so-called virtual lodgings.

Popular Tricks of Tourist Accommodation Scammers

• Using fake photos – Using images that do not depict the actual state of the property is common in apartment rental fraud.
• Time pressure – Creating a sense of urgency and limited availability of the offer is a frequent trick in vacation scams.
• Fake reviews – Posting false reviews to build a fake reputation is common in cases of so-called virtual lodgings.
• Ads on unknown portals – Avoiding reputable platforms offering user verification is typical of “cottage” fraud and “ticket, car rental, and vacation package” fraud.

Quick Response to Tourist Accommodation Rental Fraud

If you fall victim to rental fraud related to tourist accommodation, such as tourist voucher fraud or “ticket, car rental, and vacation package” fraud, quick action is essential. Do not delay in taking legal steps. Professional legal assistance can significantly increase your chances of recovering lost money. The law firm SOS Legal has extensive experience in handling cases involving tourist scams and effectively helps clients recover their dues.

Cities with High Incidence of Tourist Fraud and SOS Legal Successes

The law firm SOS Legal has successfully represented clients in rental fraud cases in Poland’s most popular cities:

1. Kraków – A tourism gem with numerous rental offers, where rental fraud is common.
2. Warsaw – The capital attracting many tourists and landlords, known for cases of “ticket, car rental, and vacation package” fraud.
3. Gdańsk – A popular seaside tourist destination where “cottage” fraud occurs.
4. Wrocław – A city known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, where so-called virtual lodgings appear.
5. Zakopane – Popular among mountain landscape lovers, where apartment rental fraud occurs.

Documents Needed to Report Tourist Accommodation Rental Fraud in Poland

To effectively report a case to the police and court, it is worth preparing:

1. Rental agreement – A copy of the signed agreement, if one exists, is especially important in rental fraud cases.
2. Payment confirmations – Evidence of bank transfers or card payments, crucial in apartment rental fraud.
3. Correspondence with the landlord – Emails, SMS, and messaging app communications related to the rental, which can expose “cottage” scams.
4. Copy of the rental ad – A screenshot or printout of the listing responded to, useful in cases of so-called virtual lodgings.
5. Witness statements – Accounts from individuals who can confirm the booking process, especially helpful in tourist voucher fraud.

Quick action and a professional approach can significantly increase the chances of a positive resolution. The law firm SOS Legal offers specialized legal assistance and comprehensive support in asserting your rights. Contact us for expert advice and effective court representation. With experience in cases such as rental fraud and “ticket, car rental, and vacation package” fraud, we provide full support at every stage of the proceedings.

You can read more extensively about the scam in a separate article.

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