Amsterdam Flatshare Flatmate flat and house share accommodation to rent.

NO BRICKS, NO MONEY

Never, ever send money to a person you haven't met or for a property you haven't seen with your eyes.

There is a centuries-old method of fraud called 'confidence-trickster' and it is fairly easy if you are looking on the internet to fall foul of this technique when you are looking for accommodation abroad.

On the internet, confidence tricksters try to establish a 'relationship' with you by exchange of e-mail. The confidence trick (if it ever happens) is to get you to ignore the fact that you don't really know who they are or where they are, because you so want what is on offer that you suspend your judgement.

It is also fairly easy to not fall foul of this..

If you follow the rule that unless you can see the bricks and the landlord with your eyeballs, and you don't hand over any money, then the internet can't defraud you.

If you follow the rule that unless you can see the bricks and the landlord with your eyeballs, and you don't hand over any money, then the internet can't defraud you.

There is more in 'Protect yourself against online fraud' above.