My fiancé and I are looking for a flat from 1 March, so I posted an ad on an online site saying that my price range is between R3 500 and R4 000, with my contact details for people to reach me.
On 11 February at 8.06am I received a WhatsApp message saying, “Hi there I have seen you looking for a place to rent” I said yes I am. The person then replied “I have a two bedroom, lounge, kitchen, bathroom for R3 500 including water and lights” to which I replied where and what area?
The person said it is in Sunrise Road, Homeshaven, Krugersdorp North. I asked when could we come and view the property, to which the person replied, “I require a deposit of R3 500 before moving in or viewing as the place is fully furnished. I would provide you with my personal banking details and once payment is made into my accountant we could meet. You will be picked up and taken to the place. I have pictures if you would want to have a look”.
Where in your life do you make a deposit before even looking at a place? What happens if this person catches someone gullible who pays R3 500 deposit and never sees the flat and their money?
Today R3 500 is nothing but you cannot simply throw it in the water!
This is the second person who requested a deposit before allowing someone to view their place. Now this is utter nonsense. You don’t pay for a car unless you have seen or test drove it. Be careful of people who try and take you for a ride.
I know people might be desperate, but don’t give them that pleasure because at the end of the day you have thrown money into the water and they’ve made thousands from people who pay their requested deposit.
