Beware small ads scam

CONMEN are moving in on people selling property privately in a scam that has been running for some time and which is reckoned to cost swindled sellers an average of €450.

The crooks spot ads for properties and then get in touch with the seller claiming to be estate agents with a client wishing to buy at the given price, no negotiation. The sting comes as the agent says there are frais de dossier or a sum needed to organise the visit.

Fraud officers at the DGCCRF say they have had hundreds of complaints from victims and are certain there are many more who have not complained as the con is, so far, little-known.