REAL estate agents impersonations and phantom inspections are all part of scammers’ toolset to con Australians through rental and accommodation frauds.
More than $300,000 have been scammed from victims, 76% higher than the same time last year, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
“Scammers are offering reduced rents due to COVID-19 and using the government restrictions to trick people into transferring money without inspecting the property,” ACCC deputy commissioner, Delia Rickard said.
“Many people are also experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic and the financial impact of falling victim to a scam can be devastating,” Rickard said.
All capital cities recorded declines in vacancy rates in August except for Melbourne. Declines in both house and unit rents were seen across capital cities, except for Perth and Darwin.
The corporate watchdog’s Scamwatch has received 560 reports of rental scams so far this year, an increase of 56%.
Scammers are posting advertisements on real estate or classified websites, and going after people who have posted on social media that they are looking for a room.
Once the victim responds, the scammer often requests an upfront deposit to secure the property or phish for personal information through a dodgy tenant application form, with the promise that keys will be provided on receipt of payment or information. They may find excuses for further payments.
The victim often only realises they have been scammed when the keys don’t arrive and the scammer cuts off contact.
Some scammers have even impersonated real estate agents and organised fake inspections, with victims turning up to find the property doesn’t exist or is currently occupied. A common rental scam targeting Canberrans involves a scammer posing as a doctor living in Sweden, who only offers virtual inspections and then requests bond money.
Rickard said the loss of personal information through rental scams is becoming more common, with scammers requesting copies of identity documents such as passports, bank statements or payslips.
“Once a scammer has your personal information you are at risk of being targeted by further scams or identity theft,” Rickard said.
Most rental scam reports this year have come from people aged 25 to 34, and the from New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
Rickard urged renters to try to view a property in person before paying any bond or rent money to landlords or real estate agents.
“In areas of Victoria under COVID-19 level four restrictions this is not possible, but you can help protect yourself by doing an online search to confirm the property exists and, if dealing with an agent, checking that the agent you are dealing with is licensed.”
She also that Scammers often rely on email communications to avoid identification, and suggesting prospective renters undertake an independent search for a phone number, and speak to the property manager over the phone or arrange a meeting in person.
“Before making any payments ensure you are dealing with the licensed agent, if a scammer has your details they may impersonate a real estate agent and attempt to ‘follow-up’ requesting money after an inspection,” she said.
