Marais said, “Five people have told us that they have been scammed in the last couple of months to date. As a company we cannot report to the police on behalf of the people who have approached us, we do however, tell them to open a case of fraud.”
Midrand police spokesperson Matome Tlamela told the Midrand Reporter that not many people have come forward to report rental scams. “According to a recent Midrand Reporter article there are people who have talked to the paper about being scammed. We know of one or two cases that were reported. One was William Ayawo, who came through the Midrand Reporter. If anyone has been scammed they have to open a case of fraud.”
Ward 112 councillor Leverne Young said there is not much that the municipality can do to help people who are being scammed. “The properties being advertised for rental purposes are privately owned so we cannot do anything. Anyone being scammed should report it to the police so they can track down the scammers.”
Councillor Young added, “All I can do is advise people to use reputable agencies and agents when buying property or renting. If you want to rent from a private owner, make sure you have all their details and do not make any payments upfront, no matter how much you want the property.”
William Ayawo was scammed on 26 November when he signed a ‘lease’ and paid a deposit and the first month’s rent of R6 000. He opened a case of fraud and is waiting for information from the police. After reading Ayawo’s story, a Noordwyk resident has claimed that she was also scammed.
