Amid rising demand for Residential rentalsRecently, a new form of cyber fraud has emerged, targeting those looking for Homes and apartments for rent in Saudi Arabia. The warning came this time from technical expert Abdullah Al-Sabaa, who shed light on this method, which may seem like a tempting deal, but it is actually an elaborate trap that robs the victim of his money without getting anything.

Trick style: Rush and quick conversion for a great price

In a video posted on his account on the “X” platform, technologist and media personality Abdullah al-Saba revealed the details of a new scam that is spreading among those looking for rental housing.
The fraudster usually offers a residential unit at a very attractive price compared to the market, starts communicating with interested parties claiming to be the owner of the property or his agent, and then pushes them to rush the financial transfer under the pretext that he has received other offers and needs to confirm the reservation quickly.

“Counterfeit ”rent receipt"... a scam in legal form

The next step in this scam is to send a financial receipt that looks official, but in fact has nothing to do with a lease.
According to Al Sabaa, this receipt does not carry any indication that it is an official rental payment or deposit, but is actually just a notification to load an e-wallet in favor of the scammer, and once the transfer is completed, the person disappears and does not return calls.

“Ejar” in the crosshairs of fraud ... hacked accounts and misleading data

What makes this method more dangerous, according to Al-Sabaa, is that the fraudster may use a real account within the official Ejar platform, but he does not actually own it, but rather seizes it or manages it without its owner's knowledge, which gives the communication a false credibility and gives the victim the illusion that the process is official and guaranteed.

Advice to readers: Don't convert without full verification

In light of this warning, all those looking for rental housing are advised to:

• Do not transfer any funds before confirming the identity of the owner or broker.
• Verify the rental contract through the official “Ejar” platform and not just pictures or electronic receipts.
• Ignore tempting offers that require quick decisions without a chance to review or preview.

With activity in the rental market on the rise, some people are trying to take advantage of people's need and quick decision-making. Awareness of these tactics is the first line of defense to protect yourself and your money from falling prey to scammers. Keep an eye out for warnings from professionals and share them with those you know, as protection starts with information.

Method #Fraud New home and apartment rentals are essential to know about and try to alert people around you pic.twitter.com/EFO5avSU42

- Abdullah Alsabe (@7Alsabe) May 17, 2025