Caution in Innsbruck

Student paid deposit for shared room to fraudster

A young student in Innsbruck fell into the trap of a brazen fraudster: the 18-year-old transferred the supposed deposit for a shared room that didn't even exist. Contact with the "landlord" broke off - the money is gone. Apparently this is not an isolated case.

The 18-year-old local had already come across an advertisement on a platform for students in mid-September. A room in a shared flat in Innsbruck was advertised. The young woman then contacted the supposed landlord by email.

Over 1000 euros in an Italian account
"After clarifying the rental conditions, the 18-year-old transferred the agreed monthly rent including a security payment of a low, four-digit euro amount to an Italian account," reported the police.

After the alleged landlord had received the money, he demanded money again. The woman became suspicious and did not respond to the demand. The contact then broke off - and the 18-year-old filed a complaint.

Brazen scam currently not an isolated case
This scam is apparently not an isolated case in Innsbruck - there are repeated attempts at fraud. A 23-year-old recently reported the same situation to the police. "There could also be a connection to two similar cases," it said.

So far, there is no trace of the unknown perpetrators. Investigations are underway to track down the criminals.