North Wales Police warns renters over adverts for properties that do not exist
North Wales Police has warned people looking for somewhere to rent that criminals are advertising properties they do not own, cannot let, or which do not exist at all.
The warning came from the force’s cyber crime unit.
It said fraudsters are targeting people searching for accommodation online, with the aim of taking a deposit or rent in advance before anyone has set foot in the property.
The advertised home may already be let, may belong to someone else entirely, or may never have existed.
The force’s central advice is that nobody should hand over money before seeing a property in person.
Where that is not possible, officers suggest asking someone you trust to view it on your behalf.
North Wales Police also advised searching the address online and checking whether the photographs appear elsewhere, because criminals frequently copy genuine listings and change the contact details.
Anyone dealing with a landlord who says they are overseas, or who will not meet, should treat that as a reason for caution.
Letting agents can be checked to confirm they are legitimate, and property ownership can be verified.
The force set out several warning signs.
Rent set well below the going rate is one.
So is a refusal to arrange a viewing, a demand for money before any agreement is signed, contact conducted only through messaging apps or email, and pressure to make a decision immediately.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted is advised to stop communicating with the person, and to contact their bank straight away if money has already been sent.
The force summed up its advice in three words: “STOP. THINK. VERIFY.”
Reports can be made to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
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