I have seen too many people coming to my office after being ripped off by rental scam artists.
The public should know that the following correct procedure for a rental is:
q Tenants should always visit a registered agent’s office or owner to see where and how they operate. Many scamsters operate illegitimately via websites and make all sorts of claims over the phone, but no office to follow up on in case of problems.
q Make sure the agent is registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board. This will ensure that the agency that you deal with is also legit in case there is a problem.
q Make sure that all your credentials are checked out by the agency or owner. Unless you have an owner who is willing to take a risk without a check-up, any legitimate person will always check if a tenant is sound before accepting.
q Only make payment of deposit and admin costs after the contract is signed. The money should go either directly to an owner’s account or trust account of the agency.
How scamsters operate:
- They will rush you into making payments. They will say things like there are many others waiting for the property, so you must hurry.
- They will always avoid meeting with you.
- They may have information from security guards that a certain property is vacant for rental and will send many people to view.
- They may offer you a bargain. A property that could easily rent for R5 000 will be offered at R4 500, and you are rushed into paying for it or you miss out.
- They give lots of weird stories about why the property is being rented.
- They will meet you in public places instead of an office.
