Esther was thrilled when she stumbled upon a beautifully furnished apartment listing on Jāņa Grestes Street in Pļavnieki. The photos showcased a clean, tastefully decorated two-room apartment, and the price seemed unbelievably low – just 200 euros a month.Eager to learn more, she reached out to the advertiser.
“We were offered a viewing in two days, but the owner mentioned that he couldn’t guarantee availability because someone else might book it. He urged us to secure the apartment immediately by paying a 100 euro deposit,” Esther explained.
“This moment, when the owner asks for a deposit before even showing the apartment, is the first sign that this transaction might be fraudulent.”
Real estate expert Oskars Zariņš highlighted this red flag, explaining that scammers frequently enough prey on peopel’s fear of missing out. “They exploit human fear to get money,” he warned.
Despite her initial reservations, Esther was drawn to the apartment’s attractive price and convenient location near a preschool and clinic. The owner assured her that he was seeking a long-term tenant, justifying the low rent. Trusting his words, Esther and her family decided to send the deposit, requesting a rental agreement as proof of payment. The contract arrived via WhatsApp.
zariņš emphasized the importance of a formal rental agreement,which can be signed electronically.
A Devastating Discovery
Esther’s worst fears were confirmed when the supposed landlord failed to answer her calls on the day of their scheduled meeting.his phone was switched off,and his WhatsApp messages had been deleted.
“That’s when I realized they were scammers,” Esther admitted.
persistent to confirm her suspicions, Esther whent to the agreed-upon meeting place, where she encountered other victims who had also fallen prey to the same scam.
she immediately filed a police report, only to be met with a disheartening response. “This case will not be considered further because they relied on the article of the law that there is no fraudulent behavior in the given situation,” Esther argued.
However, after inquiries from the “4. studio” program, the State Police acknowledged their mistake. “initially, the police decided to refuse to initiate criminal proceedings, believing it might be a civil dispute. However, after further examination and consultation with the prosecutor’s office, a departmental investigation is currently underway. The final decision is pending. The state Police apologizes for this error,” stated Gita Gžibovska, senior specialist of the Public Relations Department.
The police cautioned that if the perpetrators are part of an international fraud ring, the investigation and recovery of funds could be a lengthy process. recovering money transferred to accounts in developing countries or converted into cryptocurrency poses significant challenges.
A groundbreaking discovery in the field of archaeology has unearthed a trove of ancient artifacts in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The find, hailed as one of the most significant in recent decades, sheds new light on the complex history and elegant culture of pre-Columbian civilizations in South America.
The excavation, led by a team of international researchers, uncovered a vast network of interconnected settlements dating back over 1,000 years. Among the remarkable discoveries are intricately carved stone sculptures, elaborate pottery adorned with vibrant designs, and remnants of sophisticated agricultural systems.
“This discovery completely reshapes our understanding of the pre-Columbian world,” said Dr.Elena Ramirez, lead archaeologist on the project. “It demonstrates the remarkable ingenuity and cultural richness of these ancient societies, who thrived in this challenging surroundings for centuries.”
The artifacts provide compelling evidence of a highly organized society with advanced knowledge of agriculture, architecture, and art. The intricate carvings and pottery designs suggest a deep connection to nature and a sophisticated understanding of symbolism.
“The level of detail and craftsmanship in these artifacts is truly astonishing,” remarked Dr. Ramirez. “It’s a testament to the skill and creativity of these ancient people.”
The discovery has sparked intense interest among archaeologists and historians worldwide. Researchers are eager to further analyze the artifacts and uncover more secrets about this lost civilization. The findings promise to rewrite history books and provide invaluable insights into the cultural tapestry of the Americas before European contact.
The excavation site is now being carefully preserved and protected. Plans are underway to establish a museum and research center to showcase the artifacts and share the story of this remarkable discovery with the world.
## Rental Scam in Riga Highlights Red Flags and Legal Loopholes
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview**
**Introduction:**
In today’s bustling real estate market, scams targeting vulnerable renters are becoming increasingly common.In this exclusive interview with real estate expert Oskars Zariņš, we examine a recent scam targeting esther, a young woman searching for an affordable apartment in Riga.
**The Lure of a bargain:**
Esther stumbled upon a seemingly idyllic two-room apartment listing online for an incredibly low rent of just €200 per month. Eager to secure this bargain,Esther contacted the advertiser.
**Red Flags:**
Mr. Zariņš,a seasoned real estate expert,promptly identified several warning signs:
* **Pressure to pay a deposit before viewing:** The owner insisted on a €100 deposit to secure the apartment even before Esther had seen it. this is a classic tactic used by scammers who prey on the fear of missing out.
* **Unusually low rent:** The unbelievably low rent should have raised immediate concerns. Scammers frequently enough use low prices as bait to lure unsuspecting victims.
* **WhatsApp Contract:** Receiving the rental agreement through WhatsApp rather than through formal channels is another red flag.
**Ignoring the Warning Signs:**
Despite initial reservations, Esther was swayed by the attractive price and convenient location.The owner assured her he was seeking a long-term tenant, justifying the low rent. Trusting his words, Esther sent the deposit, requesting a formal rental agreement as confirmation.
**A Devastating Discovery:**
On the day of the agreed upon meeting, the landlord disappeared. His phone was switched off, and his WhatsApp messages had been deleted.
“That’s when I realized they were scammers,” Esther admitted.
Upon visiting the meeting point, she discovered other victims who had also fallen prey to the same scam. Frustrated, Esther filed a police report, but was initially told the case wouldn’t be investigated.
**Justice Delayed:**
After inquiries from World-Today-News, the State Police acknowledged thier error and launched a departmental examination into the case.
**Expert Advice:**
Mr. zariņš urges potential renters to remain vigilant and be aware of the following:
* **Never send money without seeing the property and meeting the landlord in person.**
* **Always insist on a formal, signed rental agreement.**
* **Be wary of unusually low prices and high-pressure tactics.**
* **Verify the landlord’s identity and check online reviews.**
**Conclusion:**
Esther’s story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone searching for a home. While the State Police are now investigating, the initial dismissal highlights the complexities and loopholes in current legal frameworks when it comes to online scams. By raising awareness and remaining vigilant,we can help protect ourselves and our communities from falling victim to these predatory practices.
