I paid a deposit for a rental that does not exist. What can I do?
Contact GCash through the Help Center, or your bank, immediately and report the transfer as a scam, asking them to hold the money. Then collect everything you have and report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI Cybercrime Division; this is estafa, whether the amount is large or small.
Rental scammers reuse the same accounts and photos many times. Your report, together with the receiving account name and number, can connect your case to other victims. The building admin of the real unit will also want to know, because others may be viewing the same fake listing.
Step by step
- Report the transaction to GCash or your bank now, with the reference number.
- Screenshot the listing, the profile, the chat, the documents sent to you and the receipt.
- Report to the PNP ACG or the NBI, or call the CICC hotline 1326.
- Report the listing and the profile on the platform where you found it.
- If the unit is real, tell the building admin or the real owner that their listing is being used.
Frequently asked questions
- The person still replies and says the keys are coming. Should I wait?
- No. Report now. Waiting only gives the scammer time to move the money.
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