As the academic year begins, many students flock into the capital city to further their studies.
Accommodation scams are the order of the day as students scramble to find suitable and affordable accommodation and this makes them susceptible to rental scams.
Police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller said rental scams were still an issue as most still fall victim due to the elaborate planning and sophistication behind the scam.
“They produce what seems like a legitimate offer, including photos of the property to let and other details.”
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The scammers insist on taking a deposit from interested people under the guise that the property is in high demand and will be off the market if they do not secure it with a deposit.
Once they have the deposit and first month’s rent in their possession, they disappear without a trace.
“You then pay the deposit and when the day you have to move in comes, there is already someone staying in the property.”
Miller adviced accommodation seekers to rather look for accommodation through a reputable company.
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“Although you may get better deals online where you don’t have to pay a commission to the agent, but if you are working through a reputable property company you have recourse should something happen.”
“Be aware of dodgy fly-by-night renters, do your own research prior to paying a deposit or rent.”
He said the perpetrators of these kind of crimes would even go so far as faking rental contracts, using sophisticated technology that makes them seem legit and professional.
“We understand it is difficult and costly but working through a reputable company safeguards you from losing money to scammers,” he said.
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“Students are most vulnerable as they utilise the internet to secure accommodation before travelling as they sometimes want to organise rentals at the last minute.”
Miller urged students to take necessary precautions by:
– Only using reputable property letting agents or agencies.
– Obtaining the agent’s full name, surname, ID number and the branch they work.
– Do some background research by visiting the agency, enquiring about the agent and the property to let.
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