The severe housing shortage and rising rent prices in Italy's major university cities are generating a surge of residential real estate frauds. According to the SoloAffitti Research Center, allegations of internet rental scams have climbed by 20% in the last two years, with the primary target being out-of-town students in severe need of housing. To extort deposits and immediate bank transfers for properties they have never visited, scammers post fake listings for rooms or apartments at prices that are visibly below market value, capitalizing on the fear of missing out and the strong market pressure. The proliferation of this phenomenon has even led criminals to forge the contact information and names of established agencies in Italy in order to secure the trust of their victims. According to Silvia Spronelli, CEO of SoloAffitti, scammers are increasingly using automated responders to push prospective tenants and demand payment prior to any inspection or contract signing. To protect individuals moving between Italian capitals for work or school, industry associations advise confirming that account holders and contact information match, and be aware of extremely low rates when compared to city averages.