Never send money before seeing the property
Requests for a deposit, advance payment, "reservation", "valuation" or "key delivery" fee are the most common route to fraud. Do not send money before seeing the property in person, meeting the owner or authorised person face to face and signing a written agreement. Emlivo never handles payments between the parties.
Check who is advertising
If the advertiser is an estate agency, the listing and profile must show its authorisation certificate number. Ask for it and check that the name on the certificate matches the person you are talking to.
If the advertiser says they are the owner, ask to see the title deed and an ID with the same name. If someone acts on the owner’s behalf, ask for the notarised power of attorney and confirm it with the notary that issued it.
Read the listing carefully
A price far below the area average, photos that appear in other listings with a different address or price, and an advertiser who avoids giving the address are warning signs.
Compare the price with similar listings in the same area before you get in touch. A "too good to miss" price is usually the bait.
Be careful when you communicate
Never share a code sent to your phone by text message, your card details, or a photo of your ID or title deed with someone you only know from a listing.
Be wary if you are pushed to move the conversation to another app quickly, sent a payment link, or told that "someone else is about to pay, you must decide today".
Emlivo’s in-site messaging lets you write to the agent without sharing your phone number or e-mail.
See the property in person
Visit the property by appointment and, if possible, with someone you trust. Check that the person showing it is the owner or the agent named in the listing.
When an estate agency shows you a property, a viewing form is signed under the Real Estate Trade Regulation (art. 19). Read it before signing.
"I live abroad, send the deposit and I will post the keys" is one of the most common scams. Nobody sends keys by post for a property you have not seen.
Avoid the deposit trap
A deposit is not a legal requirement. Pay one only after you have decided, with a written deposit agreement signed with the owner or a clearly authorised person, by bank transfer to an account in the owner’s name. An agency cannot take a deposit on the owner’s behalf without express authorisation.
Never pay in cash without a receipt, in cryptocurrency, with gift cards or to a third person’s account. Write down whether the money is an earnest payment or a forfeitable deposit and when it will be returned (Turkish Code of Obligations arts. 177-178).
The sale price is paid at the land registry or, since 1 July 2023, at a notary, at the time of the transfer. For rentals, do not pay rent or a deposit before the lease is signed and you receive the keys.
Report anything suspicious
Use the "Report this listing" button on the listing page. Reports are reviewed by our team and the reporter’s identity is never shared with the advertiser.
If you have already paid, call your bank immediately to dispute the payment, keep the receipt and screenshots of the messages, and file a complaint with the police, the gendarmerie or the public prosecutor’s office.
If you are selling or letting
- Fraudsters also pose as buyers: they may ask you for a "valuation fee", a "listing verification fee" or to refund an amount they "overpaid". Do not pay anyone to sell your property.
- Never share a code sent to you by text message. Emlivo never asks for such a code by phone.
- A payment receipt sent by message can be fake. Check your own bank account before handing over keys or documents.
Warning signs
- The price is far below similar properties in the area.
- The advertiser cannot show the property, or says they are abroad.
- You are asked for money before the visit or before a written agreement.
- The account holder’s name is different from the owner’s name.
- You are rushed: "another buyer is paying today".
- You are asked for a code sent to your phone, card details or a photo of your ID.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay a deposit?
No. A deposit is not a legal requirement. If you pay one, do it after viewing the property, with a written agreement and by bank transfer to an account in the owner’s name.
Does Emlivo handle payments between buyer and seller?
No. Emlivo never takes or holds money on behalf of an advertiser and never asks you to pay for a listing.
Where is a property sale completed?
At the land registry office or, since 1 July 2023, at a notary. The price is paid at the time of the transfer.
How can I check an agency?
Agencies must show their authorisation certificate number in their listings. Ask for it and make sure the name matches the person you deal with.
The advertiser says they are abroad and will send the keys. What should I do?
Do not pay. This is one of the most common scams. Report the listing using the button on the listing page.
I have already paid. What now?
Call your bank immediately, keep all receipts and messages, report the listing to us and file a complaint with the police or the public prosecutor’s office.