Safe Renting in 2025: How Stekkies Prevents Rental Fraud and Scams

10 Signs of Rental Fraud in 2025

Sadly, scammers continue to take advantage of house-hunters using fake ads, bogus agents, and false landlords. At Stekkies, we actively protect you from these risks, so you can search for a rental with confidence.

Use this checklist to spot scams early:

• The rent is suspiciously low for the location
  
• You’re asked to pay before viewing the property
  
• The ‘landlord’ claims to be abroad and unavailable
  
• You’re asked to pay in crypto or cash
  
• The same ad appears on multiple websites under different names
  
• Photos are copied from other sites (use reverse image search to check)
  
• Communication is in poor Dutch or English
  
• No rental contract is shown before payment
  
• You’re pressured to act fast (“There are already 5 interested!”)
  
• There’s no Chamber of Commerce (KvK) listing or verified information about the advertiser
  

How Stekkies Protects You from Rental Scams

Stekkies isn’t an open platform where anyone can list a property. Instead, we actively select and verify every match we send:

✅ Over 1,000 trusted sources
We only gather listings from verified platforms, housing corporations, and registered letting agents.

✅ Smart AI Filters
We use intelligent technology to automatically block suspicious listings.

✅ Real-time alerts for verified listings
You’ll only receive alerts for properties that are safe and relevant to your preferences — often within seconds of publication.

✅ Free Scam Checker
Have doubts about a listing you found elsewhere? We’ll check it for free. Just enter the address in our Property Checker.

✅ Personal support
Not sure about something? Our team (like Myrthe or Jeroen) will gladly review it with you.

7 Tips for Safe Contact with Landlords

It’s not just about spotting fake listings, communication matters too. Follow these safety tips:

1. Only use reliable websites like Stekkies, Funda, or Pararius
   
2. Always ask for a (video) call, not just WhatsApp messages
   
3. View the property in person before sending any money
   
4. Verify landlords or intermediaries via the KvK register
   
5. Request a rental contract before paying
   
6. Never pay in cash or crypto; use a traceable bank transfer
   
7. Have someone join or review your communication or attend viewings with you
   

Need help after falling for a scam? Read our guide here for next steps.

Conclusion: Safe Renting Starts with Knowledge and Smart Tools

In 2025, safe renting is absolutely possible as long as you’re well prepared.
Stay alert for signs of rental fraud, use trusted platforms, and rely on smart tools like Stekkies to help you find a secure and suitable home.

Want to be the first to respond to new listings and only receive alerts for verified properties?

🎯 Try Stekkies today and receive your first secure, no-hassle rental alert in seconds.