> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Woman Loses 6,000 Euros in Barcelona Rental Scam - URL: https://barna.news/woman-loses-6-000-euros-in-barcelona/ - Published: 2026-10-29T13:07:26.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-29T13:08:28.000Z - Description: A woman was left homeless after paying thousands in a fake apartment rental deal advertised on Idealista. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: crime ## Victim Paid Thousands Without Viewing Property María del Mar, a resident searching for housing in Barcelona, told [Metrópoli Abierta](https://metropoliabierta.elespanol.com/el-pulso-de-la-ciudad/20261029/maria-mar-afectada-estafa-alquiler-barcelona-quede-sin-casa-perdi-euros/1003742807085%5F0.html?ref=barna.news) she was defrauded of approximately 6,000 euros after responding to a rental listing on Idealista. She had been living in a short-term coliving room and urgently needed a permanent home, which led her to agree to rent a two-bedroom furnished apartment for 1,200 euros per month. According to her account, the supposed landlords requested standard documentation, including payslips, identification, and work history. After reviewing her details, they accepted her application but said viewings could not be arranged until the end of the month because a family with children was currently occupying the property. Despite her hesitation, María del Mar was pressured into paying a month’s rent to reserve the apartment. To build trust, she was sent the property’s cadastral record. "I’m not from here, and since I was in a hurry to find a place to live, I did it," she told Metrópoli Abierta. ## Repeated Payments, No Keys Delivered After signing a contract, she believed the process was moving forward. However, days later, one of the contacts claimed his wife was uneasy about renting due to previous issues with illegal squatting. He requested another 1,200 euros for the first month’s rent, to be sent to a different bank account. Further demands followed, including payments for supposed home insurance and advance utility bills for water and electricity. "Every time my phone vibrated, it was to ask me for more money," she told the outlet. The transfers were made to online banking accounts, and one payment was delayed due to a weekend. --- ## Apartment Was Already Leased to Another Family Eventually, a key handover was scheduled. María del Mar attended the agreed location but no one appeared. After being given excuses about work issues, she attempted to verify the address listed in the contract. When she visited the property, residents allowed her in and confirmed they were legally renting the apartment under a five-year lease. They also told her that the photos used in the advertisement did not match their home. She was later told by one of the scammers that the address on the contract was incorrect. > "I went in good faith, I showed all my details, I work and everything is completely in order, and I was left with nowhere to live and no money," she told Metrópoli Abierta. María del Mar filed a police complaint for alleged fraud. The contact continued to promise refunds before eventually blocking her and deactivating the WhatsApp number used. ## Two Months Homeless, Still Seeking Justice Without the money she had saved for the deposit, María del Mar and her friend were unable to secure alternative housing. For two months, she stayed with family and friends while her belongings remained in storage. With family support, they eventually found another apartment, but not before enduring extensive financial and emotional strain. She continues to receive no response regarding potential legal proceedings. Renting in Barcelona remains highly competitive, and she described the process as "like going hunting or playing the lottery". Her case highlights the risks faced by renters acting under pressure, especially when unable to view properties in person. --- *Sources:* [*Metrópoli*](https://metropoliabierta.elespanol.com/el-pulso-de-la-ciudad/20261029/maria-mar-afectada-estafa-alquiler-barcelona-quede-sin-casa-perdi-euros/1003742807085%5F0.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [One Animal Crime Reported Daily in Catalonia](https://barna.news/one-animal-crime-reported-daily-in/) - [Police Warn of High Child Recruitment Risk](https://barna.news/police-warn-of-high-child-recruitment/) - [Inmate Dies by Suicide at Brians 2 Prison](https://barna.news/inmate-dies-by-suicide-at-brians-2/)