Rental scams in Torrevieja: why viewing a property does not guarantee safety
Viewing a property, speaking to the landlord and even receiving the keys do not guarantee that a rental deal is safe.
Authorities are investigating alleged rental fraud involving people looking for accommodation in Torrevieja. The case is a reminder that prospective tenants need to check not only the property itself, but also the identity of the person offering it and their legal authority to rent it out.
What happened in Torrevieja
According to Spanish media reports, the Guardia Civil carried out Operation Velanidia and arrested three people in Villarrobledo, in the province of Albacete: a 53-year-old woman, her 24-year-old daughter and her 25-year-old son. They are suspected of involvement in eight alleged fraud incidents connected with property rentals in Torrevieja.
According to the investigation, the woman contacted prospective tenants through a popular social network, showed them the property in person and collected payment for the first month’s rent or a deposit. She allegedly stopped responding afterwards. Investigators believe that an identity document belonging to another woman with a similar appearance may have been used during the transactions. Documents showing signs of forgery were reportedly found during the investigation.
The suspects appeared before a court in Torrevieja and were released with charges pending. This does not establish their guilt: the allegations must be proven through the legal process.
Why viewing a property is not enough
Seeing a property in person can make a rental offer seem more trustworthy. However, a viewing only shows that someone has been able to access the premises. It does not, by itself, prove that the person is the owner or is authorised to rent the property.
Before handing over any money, prospective tenants should check several things.
How to reduce the risk of rental fraud
1. Check the landlord’s identity.
Ask to see an identity document and compare the details with those in the rental agreement. Do not rely solely on a photograph of a document sent through a messaging app: it does not prove that the person you are dealing with is its rightful holder.
2. Make sure the person has the right to rent out the property.
If you are dealing with someone other than the owner, ask for proof of their authority to act on the owner’s behalf. This may be a properly executed power of attorney or other documentary evidence of their authority. If an agency is involved, check its details and its authority to arrange the rental.
3. Check the property’s registration details.
In Spain, you can request a nota simple from the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). This document provides registered information about the property and its registered ownership.
A nota simple reflects the information available when it is issued. It does not, on its own, prove that the person negotiating with you is authorised to rent out the property. Compare the registry information with the landlord’s documents and, where possible, obtain an up-to-date extract.
4. Sign a written agreement before paying.
The agreement should identify the parties and specify the property address, rent, deposit, duration and other essential terms. Do not transfer money based solely on messages or verbal promises.
5. Use a traceable payment method.
A bank transfer with a clear payment reference is preferable. Keep the contract, listing, messages, documents and payment confirmations. If the person receiving the money is not the owner, establish and document the reason.
6. Watch for warning signs.
Be cautious if you are pressured to pay immediately, documents are withheld, you are asked to transfer money to a third party without a convincing explanation, or the information about ownership is inconsistent. An unusually low price may also justify further checks.
7. Do not treat a document copy as a complete guarantee.
Even a genuine Land Registry extract does not replace checks on the identity and authority of the person signing the agreement. Safety depends on several checks, not on a single document.
8. If you are unsure, consult an independent lawyer.
This can be particularly useful for people moving from abroad who are unfamiliar with Spanish legal terminology and rental procedures. A lawyer specialising in property law and residential leases can review the documents, the landlord’s authority, the contract terms and the deposit arrangements. You can check the lawyer’s professional registration with the relevant Spanish Bar Association (Colegio de la Abogacía).
Looking for a lawyer, notary or legal adviser in Spain?
TorreviejaActual.com, a regional news and information website serving Torrevieja and the surrounding area, has a local business directory where you can find professionals who may help with legal questions, documentation and contract checks.
What to do if you have already paid and suspect fraud
Contact your bank as soon as possible, report the suspicious transaction and ask whether the transfer can be stopped or challenged. Keep the listing, correspondence, documents, recipient details and all payment confirmations.
Then contact the Guardia Civil or the National Police (Policía Nacional) to file a report. A complete set of evidence will make it easier to explain what happened.
The key takeaway
Renting a property in Spain requires more than viewing it and being promised a contract. Before paying, check the landlord’s identity, their right to rent out the property, the documentation and the terms of the deal. A series of straightforward checks can help prevent financial losses and lengthy disputes.
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