Beware of Rental Offers on Facebook & Instagram: How to Protect Yourself in Mallorca

Social networks are not a reliable housing market

Last week I was sitting in a café on Passeig Mallorca; two young people next to me were frantically scrolling through Instagram Stories — 'room with sea view, immediately available, no agency fee'. That sounds like a lucky find but can go horribly wrong. On the island there are increasing reports that scammers post supposed rental offers via Facebook, Instagram or messenger to lure people in vulnerable situations; similar patterns have been noted in other local stories such as Beware of 'Fake Beaches' – How Misleading Tips Lead Tourists Astray in Mallorca.

How the scam usually works

The offers often look harmless at first: photos, short descriptions, sometimes even a quick confirmation via chat. Then comes the request for a deposit by bank transfer or instant payment (Bizum, PayPal Friends) — often before a viewing has taken place. Or printed contract templates appear that later turn out to be forgeries. Tenants pay, the keys never arrive.

Why this happens particularly often in Mallorca

Because of the strained housing market — as detailed in Why long-term rentals in Mallorca are dwindling — and what could help — and the large number of seasonal workers, many people are under pressure. Some owners know this — and unfortunately so do scammers. On popular streets like in Santa Catalina or around the Plaça Major you quickly get the feeling that every message could be a hit. Criminals exploit exactly that. The pressure has also led to problems like Illegal Subletting in Mallorca: When Long-Term Tenants Become 'Inquilinos Pirata'.

Practical protective measures

Meet landlords in person — never communicate only by chat. Request a valid ID and proof of ownership (property registry (nota simple) information or recent tax bills). Do not make advance payments to unknown accounts and do not use third-party services that demand cash transfers. Arrange a viewing, bring someone with you, and check the listing for copy‑pasted text: the same ad often appears in multiple places with different contact details.

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Report suspicious offers to the police (Guardia Civil official website/Policía Local) and to the platforms themselves. Reputable agents are generally registered — ask for the agency registration number (API) and verify it by phone.

A short piece of advice to finish

I know people who felt relieved when they thought again before transferring money. A short phone call, a look at the land registry, or a meeting on site would have spared many headaches. You can find housing in Mallorca — but not blindly. Be careful, keep your eyes open and seek help if in doubt.