Booked a holiday home that turned out to be fake? Your legal options in Portugal

Summer brings peak holiday home bookings — and fraud. Portuguese police have logged over six thousand complaints in three years for fake tourist rentals. In 2026, authorities stepped up warnings with platforms such as Airbnb: fake websites, direct bank transfers and prices far below market are the usual tricks.

This article explains what to do if you already paid or suspect a listing — legally and practically.

Warning signs before you pay

• Price well below market for the area and season;
• Request to pay outside the platform (instant transfer, wire, crypto);
• Advertiser who refuses a video call or proof of ownership;
• Website or email with poor Portuguese, odd domains or links via SMS;
• Same photos on different listings (reverse image search);
• Pressure to pay "now — others are interested".

Practical rule: book, communicate and pay only on recognised platforms with consumer protection.

I paid and the property does not exist — what now?

1. Keep everything: emails, WhatsApp, screenshots, transfer receipts, listing URL, advertiser profile;
2. File a complaint with PSP or GNR — fraud under the Criminal Code;
3. Contact your bank immediately: recent transfers may sometimes be blocked or recalled (not guaranteed);
4. Report to the platform if the chat started there but payment went "offline";
5. Do not send more money on promises to "refund with interest" — a common follow-up scam.

A police report matters even if the fraudster is abroad: it opens an inquiry, enables data cross-checks and can support civil compensation claims.

Can I get my money back?

It depends. Possible routes:

• Criminal proceedings with a compensation claim against the defendant;
• Civil action against the fraudster if identified;
• Insurance — some cards or travel policies cover online fraud (check your policy);
• Platform — if you paid within the system, refund may be available under platform terms.

Recovering money sent by direct transfer to strangers is hard, but not impossible if the perpetrator is identified. Act quickly.

Fraud vs. simple breach of contract

Not every holiday problem is fraud:

• Property unlike the listing, dirty or without hot water → contractual breach / consumer rights;
• Invented listing and payment for a non-existent property → criminal fraud.

The distinction matters for which authority to contact and which proceedings to bring.

Tourists who have already returned home

Many victims only discover fraud on arrival or back home. You can still complain to PSP/GNR; documents can be sent later. Limitation periods apply — do not delay.

How we can help

The Luís Resendes law firm assists victims of fraud and consumer disputes — criminal complaints, recovery of sums and negotiation with platforms. If you booked accommodation in or from the Azores and were deceived, contact us before deleting chats or accepting the fraudster's "settlements".