1) Receipts have to have CR numbers and contact details so that should be a red flag.

2) It is not a rumour that Sofitel area is due for demolition in the coming months.

3) Even with falling rents, it is impossible to get a whole apartment at that price.

There have been so many reports in the newspapers and in QL of unscrupulous landlords cheating potential tenants. While you can't lodge a complaint just yet, you can protect yourself and family by avoiding this situation and spreading the word.

All the best.