Students warned against scam
Students urged to be careful when searching for accommodation.
Eliot Mahlase
Students searching for accommodation in Pretoria have been warned against fraudsters posing as landlords.
Four Tshwane University of Technology students reportedly fell victim to a scam when they deposited a collective R5 500 for rent to a man who claimed he was a flat owner.
The man showed them a flat and told them to pay R5 500 to his bank within five days to secure the flat. After not hearing from the man again, the four went to the same block of flats and found the real owner who told them about the scam.
The four laid a charge of fraud at the Pretoria Central Police Station. TUT spokesperson Willa de Ruyter said students were often advised to verify the credentials of landlords before entering into any contract.
“It is a very unfortunate incident that has unfortunately not been reported to university authorities or campus protection services. This was a private transaction…and the university had no mandate to intervene,” De Ruyter was quoted as saying.
“Should an incident of this nature be reported to the university, counselling services are provided to the students to assist them to cope with the situation and the trauma.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Anne Poortman said the police were investigating.
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