Rental fraud
Rental fraud happens when fraudsters trick would-be tenants into paying an upfront fee for a property that does not exist or is not available to rent. Once the criminals have received payment, they cease contact with the victim.
How to protect yourself from rental fraud
Always view the property
You, or someone you trust, should view the property in-person before you sign any contracts or make payment.
Overseas students and workers
If you need to secure accommodation in the UK from overseas, seek advice from the employer or university you are coming to. If you are unsure about anything a prospective landlord is asking you to do, speak to a trusted friend or family member, or seek professional independent advice.
Signs of fraud
Use the information provided in the property listing, such as the address and photos, to look online for what other information you can find about the property you would like to rent.
Fraudsters often steal information from legitimate listings to create fake listings of their own. If you think your organisation is being impersonated online, you can contact hosting companies and domain registrars directly yourself to request that the service is taken down. You can find more information here
Payment method
Where possible, avoid bank transfer payments; use credit or debit cards for better protection against fraud.
What to do if you’ve been a victim of rental fraud
If you have made a payment: Inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.
Identity theft: If you have shared personal or financial information, and suspect your identity may have been stolen, you can check your credit file quickly and easily online. You should do this every few months anyway, using a reputable service provider and follow up on any unexpected or suspicious results. You can also sign up for Cifas services which can help to protect you against fraud.
You could be targeted again: Fraudsters sometimes re-establish contact with previous victims claiming that they can help them recover lost money, this is just a secondary scam. Hang up on any callers that claim they can get your money back for you.
Legal advice: In many cases of fraud there is a close correlation between what may be considered fraud and the civil tort of deceit and/or breach of contract, for which there are civil litigation options. We would always advise that you seek professional legal advice or contact Citizens Advice to understand your options.