Gardai in Waterford have issued a warning after two people were conned out of hundreds of euro in a rental scam.
In the latest case, the injured party viewed a house online and transferred a deposit and a month's rent to a bank account outside Ireland.
The landlord indicated that the money would be refunded if the injured party was not satisfied on viewing the property, however, the prospective tenant can no longer get in touch with the landlord.
Crime prevention officer with Waterford Gardaí Brendan Roche says:
"Basically they're asked for a month's rent and a deposit, they forward the sum and in return they get a set of keys. That should send up a warning to people straight away, that if they're not in the country obviously there is something not right with the situation."
Sgt Roche says those behind the scam are taking advantage of people who are struggling to find accommodation.
How the scams work
Gardaí say the scams generally fall into three categories:
· The scammer claims to be out of the country and can’t show you the property and requests a deposit
· The scammer is living at the property and shows a number of people around, gets a deposit from several people and disappears with the money
· The transaction appears normal until the renter finds the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared
People need to establish that the house exists and that it is available for rent and the identity of the landlord/agent and that they have the authority to rent the property.
· Ideally only do business with established bonafide rental agencies
· Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented
· Ask for identification – take a photo of ID on your phone
· Pay the deposit to the landlord only
· Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit, keep copies of receipts of payment and any correspondence
· Ensure keys fit, open door lock and sign rental contract, prior to payment of deposit
