Lisbon's popularity has exploded in recent years, and with it, rental scams have become a serious problem. Whether you're booking a holiday apartment or looking for longer-term accommodation, here's how to avoid getting burned.
The Fake Airbnb Listing
How it works: 1. A listing appears on Airbnb, Booking.com, or Facebook with beautiful photos and a great price 2. The host asks you to communicate/pay outside the platform "to save fees" 3. You wire money or pay via bank transfer 4. When you arrive, the apartment doesn't exist, is already occupied, or looks nothing like the photos
How to avoid it: - NEVER pay outside the official booking platform - NEVER communicate outside the platform's messaging system - Check the host's review history — be suspicious of new accounts with zero reviews - Reverse image search the listing photos on Google - If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
The Deposit Theft Scam
For longer-term rentals, landlords ask for large deposits (2-3 months' rent) upfront, then either: - Disappear with the money - Invent damage claims to keep your deposit when you leave - Rent the same apartment to multiple people simultaneously
How to protect yourself: - Never transfer money without seeing the apartment in person - Verify that the person showing the apartment actually owns or manages it - Ask for a copy of the property registration (Caderneta Predial) - Use a formal rental contract (Contrato de Arrendamento) - Document the apartment's condition thoroughly at move-in with dated photos/video - Maximum legal deposit in Portugal is 2 months' rent
The Bait and Switch
You book one apartment, but when you arrive, you're told it's "unavailable" and offered a different (inferior) apartment at the same price — or a higher price for the original.
How to avoid it: - Book through established platforms with guarantee policies - Airbnb's AirCover provides rebooking assistance if a listing is misrepresented - Contact the host 24 hours before arrival to confirm details - Have a backup accommodation option ready
Facebook and WhatsApp Rental Scams
Lisbon's expat Facebook groups (particularly "Lisbon Rentals" groups) are plagued with fake listings.
Red flags: - Brand new Facebook profiles with no history - Prices significantly below market rate - Urgency: "Many people interested, need deposit TODAY" - Communication only via WhatsApp - Photos that look like they're from a real estate website - Landlord claims to be "abroad" and can't show the apartment
Safe alternatives: - Idealista.pt — Portugal's main property platform - OLX.pt — classifieds, but verify listings carefully - Housing Anywhere — verified listings for international tenants - Spotahome — verified apartments with video tours - Licensed real estate agents (Mediadores Imobiliários)
Short-Term Rental Red Flags
If booking holiday accommodation outside major platforms:
- ✅ Safe: Booking through Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO with established hosts
- ✅ Safe: Hotels and licensed hostels
- ⚠️ Risky: Direct bookings found through Google or social media
- ❌ Dangerous: Wire transfers to individuals, cryptocurrency payments
- ❌ Dangerous: Listings that ask you to pay via Western Union or MoneyGram
Lisbon Neighborhood Guide (for Rentals)
Understanding fair prices helps you spot scams:
| Neighborhood | Short-term (per night) | Monthly Rent (1-bed) |
|---|---|---|
| Alfama | €80-150 | €900-1,400 |
| Baixa/Chiado | €90-180 | €1,000-1,600 |
| Bairro Alto | €70-140 | €800-1,300 |
| Príncipe Real | €85-160 | €1,000-1,500 |
| Santos/Cais do Sodré | €60-120 | €800-1,200 |
| Graça | €55-100 | €700-1,100 |
| Campo de Ourique | €50-90 | €700-1,000 |
Prices are approximate for 2027. If a listing is significantly below these ranges, investigate carefully.
Legal Protections in Portugal
- All short-term rentals must have an Alojamento Local license — you can ask for the registration number
- Licensed properties have their number displayed near the entrance
- You can verify licenses at the Registo Nacional de Alojamento Local
- Rental contracts must be registered with the tax authority (Finanças)
What to Do If You're Scammed
- Report to PSP (Portuguese Police): Visit the nearest esquadra or call 112
- Report to the platform (Airbnb, Booking.com) — they may issue a refund
- Contact your bank to reverse any transfers if possible
- File a complaint with DECO (Portuguese consumer protection): [email protected]
- Report it at Avoid Travel Scams
Quick Safety Checklist
- ✅ Book through established platforms with buyer protection
- ✅ Never pay outside the platform
- ✅ Verify the host's identity and property ownership
- ✅ Read reviews carefully — look for patterns in complaints
- ✅ Arrive during daylight hours
- ✅ Have a backup accommodation option
- ✅ Keep all communication records and receipts
- ✅ Check for the Alojamento Local license number
Lisbon is an incredible city with wonderful people, food, and culture. A little due diligence with accommodation will ensure your visit (or relocation) goes smoothly.
Stay Protected on Your Travels
Subscribe to our weekly travel safety alerts for real-time scam warnings, destination-specific tips, and expert advice delivered directly to your inbox. Join thousands of savvy travelers who stay one step ahead of scammers.
→ Subscribe to Travel Safety Alerts
Related Reading
- 25 Scam Red Flags Every Traveler Should Know — Learn the warning signs
- Airport Scam Survival 2027 — Protect yourself from arrival to departure
- Report Travel Scams — Share your experience
- Travel Insurance Scams 2027 — Protect your trip investment