Accommodation scams eradicated
The police have embarked on an initiative to reduce the number of accommodation scams, but have warned potential renters to remain cautious.
The removal of illegal advertisements in Sunnyside seems to be playing a significant role in curbing accommodation scams in Sunnyside, the police said recently. They revealed this on Tuesday after a major initiative to remove illegal advertisements and warn people about the scams was implemented a few weeks go.
The Sunnyside police spokesperson, Sergeant Asnath Malatsi, said that since the implementation of the accommodation-scam fighting initiative, no cases relating to this were reported at the station. About three people were scammed in January just before the initiative was implemented.
The police, together with Tshwane metro employees, have been removing all illegal advertisements for accommodation posted mostly in a park on the corner of Leyds and Da Rapper streets. They also warned people about the scam. It was found that a number of criminals were using the park to advertise their fake accommodation.
Malatsi explained that scammers operated mostly in January and February, because this was the period in which many prospective students sought accommodation in the area.
She said that some criminals advertised through respected advertising platforms. She advised people to go to well-known and legitimate property agencies and not to respond to illegal posters on trees, traffic signs and dustbins. In early January, Rekord reported the police explanation that in many instances, single accommodation was offered and each person was told to pay a deposit immediately to secure the accommodation. The scammers would then tell the prospective renters that the property will be available on a particular date. Only on the day the tenant tries to move in does he/she realise that it is a scam.
Keletso Phooko, a student at Unisa, said she could easily have fallen victim to these criminals, as she was unaware of the scam. The police urged people to be cautious when renting accommodation, as criminals were doing everything they could to keep their scams going. They warned that those involved in the scams would be arrested.
