How to avoid rental and purchase scams in Pátzcuaro

General common-sense recommendations. They do not replace legal advice.

Visit the property before paying
Never reserve or deposit before you have been inside the property. If you are told the owner is away and you can only see it in photos, be suspicious.
Confirm the person can rent or sell it
Ask for an official ID and, for a sale, ownership documents (the deed) with a matching name. If it is an agent or representative, ask for the letter or power of attorney that authorizes them.
Search for the photos elsewhere
A reverse image search tells you whether the photos belong to another listing. If they appear in another city or at another price, that is a red flag.
Be wary of prices that are too low
A house far below the going price for the area is usually bait. Compare with other listings in the same neighborhood.
Pay only with a receipt and to the right name
Make transfers to an account in the name of the person you sign with, and ask for a receipt. Avoid cash without a receipt and payments to third parties.
Sign a written contract
The contract should state the parties, address, amount, deposit, duration and who pays utilities. Read all of it before signing.
Beware of pressure
“There are other interested people, deposit today” is a common tactic. A real opportunity can wait a day while you check it.

If you see a suspicious listing on our site, use the Report this listing button on its page. We review every report.

Visit the property before paying