How to avoid rental scams when renting an apartment in Nha Trang?

From messages by 3 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 20 days ago

TL;DR

Never wire a deposit or advance payment to a realtor before you actually move in — pay only upon check-in. Scammers often DM you right after you post about looking for housing in local chats.

What the community said

You can ask for a smaller initial deposit, explain your concerns about scams, and agree to pay the balance when signing the rental agreement. Get the deposit terms in writing; this does not replace the rule against sending money in advance.

20 days ago Smaller deposit with the balance paid at signing

If you post in a local chat asking about housing, expect scammers posing as "verified realtors" to DM you right away. Never send them an advance payment — they'll take the money and disappear.

Scammers via DM

Housing deposits in Nha Trang can run into millions of dong, and travelers ask how to safely get that money back when moving out — it's recommended to agree on deposit return terms in writing with the actual landlord beforehand.

Deposit — several million VND

Golden rule: never transfer any deposit or prepayment to a realtor in advance — pay only at the moment you actually move into the apartment or house.

Pay only at move-in