Could this be a scam?

travelinggems

We found a villa around Canggu from someone on Facebook and overall we like the villa and the price. But something feels a little strange to me. Overall, my concern is that when we do the bank transfer of the 1 year of the lease, we are sending money to people who don't really own or manage the property. The price is a little too good and the Facebook account showing the property is brand new; there is no formal agent involved. They have shown me a picture of the "owner' and the name on the bank account matches this person in the lease. But it could also all be a scam. We did inspect the villa, but there were also some construction workers there so there was no way for us to verify anything. Do rental / lease scams happen here?

sakumabali

Usually the original documents (or at least copies) are in a notary office. I would ask where, pay the notary an hour & ask questions ;) good investment

SamD

Aurorab has just given you the syllabus for the advanced degree in Indonesian Property Leasing for Foreigners. Nice work! Ignore at your peril.

spicyayam

I think it is always a good idea to meet the owner and confirm that they agree to rent their property. There are many property scams here so it is always best to do your due diligence.

harryopal

A property scam in Australia is probably happening here too so another element to be extremely careful about. Having successfully agreed on a price for a property the "buyer" receives an email seemingly from the property agent. Just one letter different to the actual property agent's email, The buyer is directed to make a deposit or payment to a bank and again on what appears to be a genuine bank website. Funds transferred and goodbye money. https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2022-04-24/scammers-hackers-real-estate-deposit-property-settlement/101000288

SamD

travelinggems wrote We found a villa around Canggu from someone on Facebook and overall we like the villa and the price. But something feels a little strange to me. Overall, my concern is that when we do the bank transfer of the 1 year of the lease, we are sending money to people who don't really own or manage the property. The price is a little too good and the Facebook account showing the property is brand new; there is no formal agent involved. They have shown me a picture of the "owner' and the name on the bank account matches this person in the lease. But it could also all be a scam. We did inspect the villa, but there were also some construction workers there so there was no way for us to verify anything. Do rental / lease scams happen here?

If you don't feel comfortable then don't hand over any money. Have you a copy of the lease agreement and does it show the property owner's name? If not then you are being scammed IMHO. I have leased twice here, once directly with the owner and once through an agent. Both times I never had any suspicion that something was fishy. I got a clear lease agreement that laid out the terms in both Indonesian and English which both parties signed with witnesses before any cash changed hands. So trust your instincts. Get a pic of the KTP (Indonesian ID) of the person who is signing the lease agreement. That must be the owner, not an agent or third party.

AuroraB

SamD wrote If you don't feel comfortable then don't hand over any money. Have you a copy of the lease agreement and does it show the property owner's name? If not then you are being scammed IMHO. I have leased twice here, once directly with the owner and once through an agent. Both times I never had any suspicion that something was fishy. I got a clear lease agreement that laid out the terms in both Indonesian and English which both parties signed with witnesses before any cash changed hands. So trust your instincts. Get a pic of the KTP (Indonesian ID) of the person who is signing the lease agreement. That must be the owner, not an agent or third party.

Yes, this is correct. I can confirm the above and add some details. 1- Lease agreement in dual language (Indonesian and English). This as dual language (to my understanding) is required for a contract to have a legal standing in Indonesia. If not reading Bahasa Indonesia, find a notary/translator who can do so. 2- All pages initialed and last page signed by owner over a Rp 10,000 materai (stamp) for tenant version. Materai as also a legal requirement for contracts to have a legal standing in Indonesia. 3- The freehold or leasehold villa owner is identified with name, address and identification (NIK for Indonesian or passport of foreigner) 4- Money transferred to 3rd party (agency) as per owner request with account holders name, identification, address and bank details written into the lease agreement. I also asked for POA (Power of Attorney letter) (signed over materai by owner) before accepting to transfer money to 3rd party. 5- For leasehold I have also asked to get a copy of agreement between villa owner and freehold landowner (due diligence). 6- For freehold I have taken a photo / copy of IMB and checked that name / address matching owner name in the lease agreement (due diligence). 7- Small deposit can be paid to owner or agent (POA letter required) to secure rental. Full / balance amount only paid after having in hand original and signed lease agreement.