Students are being warned to be alert when renting accommodation ahead of the new term.
Police and Action Fraud are say that fraudsters are targeting college and university students with fake lettings in local accommodation.
With a huge demand for housing, the scammers can take advantage by collecting fees up front to secure a deposit.
The autumn months can see a big rise in rental market properties, with first-year freshers and returning students looking online to find houses for let. Bogus adverts appearing on a series of website are offering houses which are either already rented out to other tenants, not owned by the landlord or in some cases not even existing in the area advertised.
Fraudsters are advertising properties to rent at attractive rates and in excellent locations to lure in victims. The adverts may seem genuine, being accompanied by images of the property and contact information. However, fake landlords then trick victims who show interest into handing over a fee even before they’ve had a chance to view the house or flat, claiming the property is in high demand and will be off the market if they don’t act fast.
Source: Students scammed into renting bogus houses and flats – Bucks Herald
The Action Fraud web site says this about Rental Fraud:
Rental fraud happens when would-be tenants are tricked into paying an upfront fee to rent a property.
In reality, the property does not exist, has already been rented out, or has been rented to multiple victims at the same time.
The victim loses the upfront fee they have paid and is not able to rent the property they thought they had secured with the payment. Rental fraudsters often target students looking for university accommodation.
Rental fraud is a type of advance fee fraud.
Protect yourself from rental fraud:
- Do not send money to anyone advertising rental properties online until you are certain the advertiser is genuine.
- If you need to secure accommodation in the UK from overseas, seek the help of the employer or university you are coming to, or get a friend, contact or relative to check the property exists and is available.
- Do not pay any money until you or a reliable contact has visited the property with an agent or the landlord.
- Ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as Gas Electricity or HMO Licence.
- Do not be pressurised into transferring large sums of money. Transfer funds to a bank account having obtained the details by contacting the landlord or agent directly after the above steps have been followed. Be sceptical if you’re asked to transfer any money via a money transfer service like Western Union.
If fraud has been committed, report it to Action Fraud.