Greek authorities have uncovered a large-scale fraud scheme involving fake job advertisements and fraudulent short-term rental listings, with investigators accusing a 27-year-old man of scamming victims out of more than €85,000.
According to investigators, the suspect posed as both a shipping company executive and a hospitality business owner in order to attract job seekers through online employment ads offering non-existent positions.
When applicants contacted him, he allegedly requested personal documents and financial information — including copies of identity cards, tax records and banking details — claiming the information was necessary for the hiring process.
Police say the suspect then used those personal details to rent short-term apartments in the names of the job applicants. He allegedly presented himself as the owner of the properties and advertised them to unsuspecting people searching for accommodation.
Victims reportedly paid deposits and advance payments for apartments that either did not exist or were never owned by the suspect.
Authorities have so far linked the case to 94 separate fraud incidents, while investigations continue into the possibility that even more victims may be involved.
One of the most striking cases reportedly took place in the Athens suburb of Peristeri, where investigators say the suspect scammed 21 people using the same short-term rental property within just two days, collecting more than €22,000 in deposits.
