Students Warned of ‘Seasonal Rental Fraud’

Published on: 10 Sep, 2016
Updated on: 7 Sep, 2016

With many students are making last minute attempts to secure accommodation at this time of year Surrey and Sussex Neighbourhood Watch has issued a warning about an emerging trend: “seasonal rental fraud”.

The crime protection organisation say: “Fraudsters use a variety of websites to advertise available properties to rent, often at attractive rates and convenient locations. Adverts will seem genuine, accompanied by a number of photos and contact information to discuss your interest.”

Due to urgency and levels of demand, students will often agree to pay upfront fees to secure the property quickly, without viewing, only to discover that the fraudster posing as the landlord does not have ownership of the property, or often there are already tenants living there.

Surrey and Sussex Neighbourhood Watch recommend the following protection plan:

• Only use reputable letting companies
• Do some online research such as using Google maps to check the property does exist
• Make an appointment to view the property in person
• Always view the property prior to paying any advance fees
• Look out for warning signs, such as landlords requesting a ‘holding deposit’ due to the property being in high demand
• Expect a landlord to conduct some due diligence on any successful applicant, so be wary of handing over cash without the landlord requesting employment or character references.

Alex Mackenzie Smith

Alex Mackenzie Smith, president of the University of Surrey’s Student Union said: “The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring Surrey students live in safe, affordable and appropriate housing, during their time at University.

“Disreputable landlords and sub-standard living conditions have been the driving force behind our work with the university’s own lettings agency, to help ensure students are being treated fairly and not taken advantage of.

“There is still a lot more work that needs to be done; however I believe that through our improved links with the Guildford community, and our own dedicated ‘Community Zone’ in the Union, that together we can see an end to students’ suffering due to unscrupulous individuals.”

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, reports can be made to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Share This Post