Finding a rental online can be convenient, but not every listing is what it seems.
Scammers can copy real property listings, use genuine photos and addresses, or pretend to be landlords or property agents. They may then ask for money or personal information before you've had a chance to properly check the property.
Knowing the common warning signs can help you avoid a costly mistake.
Be Careful If You Can't Inspect the Property
One of the biggest red flags is being given repeated excuses about why you cannot inspect the property.
Scammers may claim they are overseas or interstate and say everything needs to be handled online. In some cases, the property itself may be real, but the person advertising it may not have the right to rent it out.
Whenever possible, inspect the property in person before making a payment.
Be Wary of Upfront Payment Requests
A scammer may ask you to pay a bond, rent or deposit to secure the property before you've properly verified the rental.
Requests for payment by bank transfer or other money transfer methods should be treated carefully, particularly when you're being pressured to pay quickly.
Scamwatch warns that money sent to scammers can be very difficult to recover.
A Real Listing Doesn't Always Mean a Real Rental
A property can look completely legitimate online and still be part of a scam.
Scammers have been known to copy genuine rental advertisements, including photos and real property addresses. Some may also use convincing documents or stolen identification to make the offer appear genuine.
Don't assume a listing is genuine just because the property exists or the photos look professional.
Check Who You're Actually Dealing With
If someone says they work for a real estate agency, verify this independently.
Don't rely only on the phone number, email address or contact details provided in the listing or message. Find the agency's official contact details yourself and check whether the person you're speaking with actually works there.
Scamwatch also recommends checking that you're dealing with a licensed estate agent when an agent is involved.
Protect Your Personal Information Too
Rental scams aren't always about getting your money.
Scammers may also ask for personal information such as your driver's licence, passport, bank details or other identification, which can potentially be used for identity fraud.
Before providing sensitive information, make sure you know who you're dealing with and why the information is required.
Expert Tip!
If something about a rental doesn't feel right, slow down. Check the property, verify the person or agency independently, and don't let pressure to "secure" the property make you skip basic checks.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, migration, financial, or professional rental advice. Rental laws, tenancy requirements, and market conditions may vary between Australian states and territories and can change over time. Find My Home is not a real estate agency and cannot guarantee rental approvals or outcomes. For enquiries, please contact info@findmyhomeaus.com
