Rental scams in Taiwan, particularly in Taipei and New Taipei, have become increasingly sophisticated. Facebook rental groups are a frequent source, since private listings there don't go through a platform's verification; see Facebook Rental Groups in Taiwan for how to use them safely. This guide covers the most common scam patterns so you can recognize and avoid them.
The Most Common Scam: "The Previous Tenant Was Going to Prepay"
This is the most widespread rental scam in Taiwan. Here's how it works:
- A listing appears with an attractive price and good photos
- You message the "landlord" and express interest
- They say: "Actually, there's another interested tenant who was going to pay in advance, but I'd prefer someone who can move in sooner. If you can pay first, the place is yours"
- You wire money. The "landlord" disappears.
Rule: Never transfer money before viewing the property in person and verifying the landlord's identity. This applies even to a legitimate-sounding earnest money request; see Earnest Money in Taiwan Rentals for what a real one looks like and what to check before you pay. Once you're satisfied a listing is genuine, use the apartment viewing checklist for the in-person visit itself.
Fake Landlords
Scammers copy legitimate listings (photos, description, address) and post them as their own at a slightly lower price. When you contact them, they claim to be traveling or overseas and ask you to pay first.
Warning signs:
- Can't meet for an in-person viewing
- Asks you to communicate only via LINE or WhatsApp
- Refuses video call to show the property
- Offers to "mail the keys" once payment is received
Doctored or Reused Photos
Scammers often use photos of real properties, either stolen from legitimate listings or from real estate websites.
How to check:
- Right-click on listing photos and do a reverse image search (Google Images or TinEye)
- Look for inconsistencies between different photos in the same listing
- Ask the landlord to take a photo of the front door or a specific room on the spot
Below-Market Pricing
If a listing is 20–30% cheaper than comparable units in the same area, treat it as a red flag. Legitimate bargains exist, but unusual pricing is frequently a lure.
Requests for Personal Documents Before Viewing
A legitimate landlord will not ask for your ID, National Health Insurance card, or bank details before you've seen the property. Scammers collect this information for identity fraud.
What to Do If You Encounter a Scam
- Stop all contact immediately
- Report to the Criminal Investigation Bureau (165 Anti-Fraud Hotline)
- Report the listing on the platform where you found it
- Submit the scammer's LINE ID or phone number to RentOn's scam report tool to help protect other renters
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Scam Red Flag Checklist
| Situation | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Asked to pay before viewing | 🔴 Very high |
| Landlord claims to be overseas | 🔴 Very high |
| Price significantly below market | 🟠 High |
| Refuses in-person or video viewing | 🔴 Very high |
| Asks for personal documents upfront | 🟠 High |
| Reverse image search shows copied photos | 🔴 Very high |
| Grammar errors and inconsistent communication | 🟡 Medium |
Summary
The single most effective protection against rental scams:
Never transfer any money before you have personally visited the property and confirmed the landlord's identity with a government-issued ID.
If a landlord pressures you to pay quickly or can't meet in person, walk away.