Young would-be tenants getting ripped off online
July 25, 2009
It has been reported that an increasing number of younger people looking for a place to rent are being ripped off online. In fact, according to some officials younger would be tenants are finding themselves being conned out of thousands of pounds due to online scams.
Officials from Trading Standards have confirmed that there has been a steep rise in the number of people being scammed in this way, and there are concerns that there is not enough protection in place for these younger people.
Officials are warning that the scams are becoming more and more sophisticated, and this has resulted in more people falling for them. For example, some will advertise properties for rent, and will ask potential tenants to transfer some money into an account to prove that they have payment facilities and can afford the rent. However, they then make off with the cash.
One young woman who spotted a flat that she wanted to rent in London liaised with the ‘landlady’ online, and eventually wired £400 for the property. However, the cash quickly disappeared and there was no further mention of any flat. Leaving the would be tenant out of pocket and with nowhere to live.
She said: Even after I transferred the money I was wondering if I should tell her all the details to pick it up, but I just really needed somewhere and really quick so that’s why I did. I was really upset and kind of mostly annoyed. Looking back it’s so obvious. But when you need something really quick. It’s just horrible that people can do that.”
In the meantime Trading Standards have asked that sites like Craiglist and Gumtree do more to prevent bogus adverts in order to protect consumers, although the sites have said that they do take consumer protection very seriously.
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