An agent speaking on behalf of Seeff Midrand, Kegan Marais, said residents should be aware of a suspected rental scam. “Some of my new tenants have told me that they were almost scammed a week ago by a man claiming to own a property at one of the units at a Carlswald townhouse.”
One of Marais’ tenants, a couple who spoke to Midrand Reporter on condition of anonymity said, “The owner kept sending us back and forth when we asked for some documentation. He said he wanted cash up front for the deposit and the first month’s rent. We refused and the man got upset and said he would find other tenants.”
Marais’ tenants said the owner of the unit had also been evasive about showing them the unit. A few days after the couple refused to pay cash, the owner finally agreed to let them see the unit. When they arrived they noticed that, in spite of claims that the unit was occupied, the place was spotlessly clean and looked unoccupied. “There wasn’t much furniture and it looked staged.”
Marais said people must not agree to pay a cash deposit for a property or unit they have not viewed. And all transactions must be deposited into an account, as proof of payment.
“Many of these private owners take people’s deposits and vanish. We are waiting for more information on the scam and will report the matter to the police.”
