We thought we had covered the scams out there, but there is nothing so imaginative as a Scammer! Here is the scenario:
You respond via email to an ad on a listings site from an agent for a flat, and set up a viewing. About 20 minutes before you show up at the flat, you get a phone call from the agent who’s posted the ad, is stuck in traffic and can’t make it, but says that the landlord will meet you at the flat instead. The Agent says that the landlord will quote a higher price than is necessary, and that they will be able to give you a lower price, just give them a ring after the viewing.
You show up at the place, and there may be other people milling around outside, all of whom are there to see the place, or maybe you are the only viewer. The landlord shows up shows you around, and is happy to answer questions. They may be puzzled by the number of people who have turned up.
What has happened is that a scammer has identified a genuine landlord and property, and has copied the listing in their own advertisements. They take calls, and then make appointments with the genuine landlord, who shows you the property. You go back to the bogus agent, sucked in by the promise of a cheaper rent. If you pay any deposit or rent to this person you won’t be seeing them again.
As usual – if it seems too good to be true then it is.
Genuine Landlords and Agents have premises, addresses, and websites.
[…] Substitute Agent […]