Safety & Privacy Online
Property fraud is a serious and growing problem. This guide explains the most common scams targeting buyers, renters, and sellers — and how to protect yourself.
Most common fraud when searching for a property
Know what to look for before you start your search
Advance payment scams
A fraudster poses as a landlord or seller and asks for a deposit, reservation fee, or first month's rent before you have visited the property or signed any agreement. Once paid, they disappear. This is the most common property scam in Malta — never send money to someone you have not met and verified.
Fake or cloned listings
Scammers copy real listings from legitimate websites, change the contact details, and re-post them at an attractive price. The photos, description, and address look genuine but the contact leads to a fraudster. If a deal looks too good to be true — unusually low rent or price for the area — be suspicious.
Impersonation of owners or agents
A fraudster claims to be the property owner or a licensed agent, often fabricating documents. They may say they are abroad and cannot show the property in person, asking you to transfer money as a sign of commitment before viewing.
Properties that do not exist
The property advertised simply does not exist, or is not available for sale or rent. The advertiser uses stock photos or images pulled from the internet to create a convincing listing and collect deposits from multiple victims.
Contract fraud
You are presented with a contract that contains hidden clauses — excessive exit fees, automatic renewal terms, or charges not discussed verbally. Always have any contract reviewed by a lawyer or notary before signing, especially for purchase agreements.
Phishing via fake platforms
You receive an email or message appearing to come from a property platform asking you to log in to 'verify your account' or 'complete your booking'. The link leads to a fake website that steals your login credentials or payment details. Check the URL carefully — legitimate platforms will never ask for your password by email.
How to protect yourself when searching
Practical steps to stay safe throughout your property search
Always visit before paying anything
Never transfer money — not even a small reservation fee — before physically visiting the property and confirming it matches the listing. If the person claims they are abroad and cannot show you the property, treat this as a serious red flag.
Verify the owner's identity
Ask to see a government-issued ID and confirm they are listed as the property owner. You can verify property ownership in Malta through the Land Registry or ask a notary to run a search on your behalf before signing anything.
Research the property and price
Compare the listing price or rent against similar properties in the same area. If the price is significantly below market value with no clear reason, investigate further. Search the photos using reverse image search (Google Images or TinEye) to check whether they appear on other sites.
Use secure payment methods only
Pay deposits and rent only via bank transfer to a verified account — never via Western Union, MoneyGram, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Keep receipts of all payments and only pay once a contract is signed by both parties.
Have all agreements in writing
A verbal agreement offers no legal protection. Ensure all terms are written into a contract before paying anything. For purchases, a Konvenju (preliminary agreement) and subsequent deed should be signed before a notary.
Check agent credentials
In Malta, estate agents must be registered with the Malta Estate Agents Warrant Board. You can verify an agent's warrant number on the Board's public register. On Wexlo, listings on the owners platform are from private individuals — not licensed agents.
Protect your personal information
Do not share copies of your ID, passport, or financial documents with anyone you have not verified as the legitimate owner or a licensed professional. Fraudsters collect personal data to commit identity theft.
Trust your instincts
If something feels rushed, if there is pressure to decide quickly, or if the contact is evasive about viewing the property — walk away. Legitimate sellers and landlords do not need to pressure buyers.
If you suspect fraud — stop all contact immediately
Do not send any more money. Do not share personal documents. Report the listing to Wexlo using the “Report this listing” button on the property page, and file a report with the Malta Police Force Economic Crimes Unit.
Most common fraud when advertising a property
Sellers and landlords are also targeted — here is what to watch for
Fake buyer enquiries / phishing
Fraudsters send messages posing as interested buyers. Their goal is to redirect you to a fake payment platform, steal your bank details, or send you a fraudulent overpayment cheque. Be wary of buyers who respond immediately, never ask to view the property, and propose unusual payment methods.
Overpayment cheque fraud
A 'buyer' sends you a cheque for more than the agreed price and asks you to refund the difference via bank transfer. The cheque later bounces, and you lose both the property and the money you transferred.
Identity theft via your listing
Fraudsters scrape your contact details from your listing and use them to impersonate you — creating fake versions of your listing elsewhere to scam third parties. Monitor where your property details appear online.
Fake rental guarantees
Someone poses as a company offering guaranteed rental income on your property, asking for an upfront 'management fee' or 'insurance' payment. Once paid, they vanish. Legitimate property management companies do not require upfront fees from landlords.
Fraudulent tenant screening services
After you post a rental listing, you are contacted by a company offering background checks on potential tenants, asking you to pay for their service. These are often scams — use established, reputable services if you need tenant screening.
Tips for advertisers
- Never give out your full ID or financial details to a prospective buyer before meeting them in person.
- Do not accept cheques as payment — use bank transfers only and confirm funds have cleared before handing over keys.
- Be cautious of buyers who seem eager but never ask to visit the property.
- Watermark your listing photos to make it harder for fraudsters to clone your listing.
- If you receive an offer significantly above asking price, treat it as suspicious.
- Report any suspicious contacts to Wexlo and to the Malta Police Force (Economic Crimes Unit).
How to report fraud
Who to contact if you have been targeted
Report to Wexlo
Use the "Report this listing" link at the bottom of any property page. Our team reviews all reports and will take action — including removing the listing and alerting authorities — where fraud is suspected.
Browse listingsMalta Police — Economic Crimes Unit
If you have been defrauded or believe a crime has been committed, report it to the Malta Police Force. The Economic Crimes Unit handles financial fraud, including property scams.
Malta Police ForceMalta Competition & Consumer Affairs Authority
The MCCAA handles complaints about misleading advertising and unfair commercial practices, including fraudulent property listings.
Visit MCCAAYour bank — if money has been transferred
If you have already transferred money to a fraudster, contact your bank immediately. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to reverse or freeze the transaction.
Wexlo's commitment to safety
All listings on Wexlo are posted by registered users and are subject to our terms of use. We actively review reported listings and cooperate with Maltese authorities when fraud is suspected. If you have any concerns about a listing or contact you have received through Wexlo, please report it immediately. Your safety is our priority.