National charity Citizens Advice is warning people to take extra care when searching for rooms or property online, if they are asked to ‘prove funds’ via money transfer prior to viewing.
Chiswick-based lettings firm OliverFinn, has matched tenants to landlords in West London for over fifteen years. Owner Christian Harper: “Our service is free to prospective tenants so there is no need for renters to become the victims of unscrupulous scammers. We offer expert advice and are fully accountable.” OliverFinn is a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, a professional self-regulating body, solely concerned with lettings.
Chiswick-based lettings firm OliverFinn, has matched tenants to landlords in West London for over fifteen years. Owner Christian Harper: “Our service is free to prospective tenants so there is no need for renters to become the victims of unscrupulous scammers. We offer expert advice and are fully accountable.” OliverFinn is a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, a professional self-regulating body, solely concerned with lettings.
Citizens Advice Bureau is reporting cases of people falling victim to a scam where Landlords - who often state they live out of the country - ask prospective tenants to make a ‘secure’ money transfer to a trusted person (i.e themselves or a friend/relative). They are then asked to send a copy of the receipt to the Landlord to prove they have sufficient money for deposit and rent before they are shown the property.
The would-be tenants are reassured that no-one else can access the money, but find when they go to collect it that the money has already been withdrawn and the room or property doesn’t exist.
The would-be tenants are reassured that no-one else can access the money, but find when they go to collect it that the money has already been withdrawn and the room or property doesn’t exist.
CAB consumer affairs policy officer Susan Marks: “Money transfer, used in any situation other than to send money to someone you know, is not secure. It should never be used as a way of proving funds or as a method of payment to someone you don’t know – sharing your money transfer number or copy of your transfer receipt is like handing over your PIN number to a stranger. It’s not the same as transferring money from one bank to another, and isn’t covered by the same safeguards.
“Unfortunately the very nature of what makes money transfer appealing - that its quick and easy and that money can be sent to numerous outlets in the U.K or abroad - is also the thing that leaves it open to exploitation by fraudsters.”
For tenants still keen on dealing direct with prospective landlords, Citizens Advice has come up with some ‘Top Tips’:
“Unfortunately the very nature of what makes money transfer appealing - that its quick and easy and that money can be sent to numerous outlets in the U.K or abroad - is also the thing that leaves it open to exploitation by fraudsters.”
For tenants still keen on dealing direct with prospective landlords, Citizens Advice has come up with some ‘Top Tips’:
- Never share your money transfer number or copy of the receipt - it’s not secure
- Never part with any money before you have viewed the room or property in person
- Never agree to transfer money, even to yourself, to prove you can afford deposit and rental payments
- If you or the prospective Landlord live abroad, offer to provide references from previous Landlords and other professionals such as a G.P or employer who can vouch for you, rather than transferring money
- If at all possible, meet the Landlord in person and never hand over any money until you have seen a written contract and checked it over
- Conduct a Land Registry check to confirm that those who say they own the building actually do own it.
- Make sure the landlord is part of a registered Tenancy Deposit Scheme which protects your deposit.
- Use a reputable letting agent registered with an approved letting scheme such as ARLA or NALS. Agencies agree to follow a set of standards which include a complaints procedure.
- If you need to make a money transfer, you can visit the FSA site for info on how to check out a firms credentials and what you can expect.
If you have been the victim of this type of scam complain to the money transfer agency and the National Fraud Authority or your local police station. You can also let the Office of Fair Trading know.
If you have been affected by a scam or are concerned about the legitimacy of a property you have found online visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free, independent, confidential advice.
