Renting can be a Scam-tastic Voyage: How to avoid being swindled
Rental scams are slowly becoming increasingly common in the current marketplace and the recent rise in complaints received by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is testament to this growing concern.
If we take a closer look into some of the complaints, these scams typically involve complex ruses aimed at ‘pulling a fast one’ over prospective tenants.
The scammers might dangle a below-market rate for properties that can only be described as deplorable, force vulnerable tenants into paying large deposits upfront, or collect payment without ever having the intention to provide accommodation.
By the time would-be renters figure out they have been dealing with a scammer, the music has stopped, and they are without a chair. Here is some advice that people might find useful in navigating the intricate world of property rentals.
The Deceitful Landlady Saga
In a recent case being investigated by the Council, a woman in the Central Division is alleged to have been falsely claiming to offer flats for rent and collects payments from unsuspecting individuals.
According to multiple reports, the woman has been approaching people in the Suva area, claiming that she has flats available for rent.
She has been taking advance payment from vulnerable individuals, promising that the property will be available once a payment of $600 bond and $600 advance rent is paid. After receiving payment from consumers, the individual comes up with various delaying tactics such as; ‘the flat needs more renovation’ or ‘the existing tenants are still on the premises.’
After intervention from the Council, only 3 complainants have been given a refund after months of being given the run-around, and many more complainants await restitution. The Council has received 12 cases against this person. The total value of the claims till date is $12,716.67 and the scammer has since been referred to Fiji Police CID for their investigation and enforcement action.
The lesson here is simple.
Do not make upfront payments without first checking the availability of the property through inspection and confirming if you are dealing with the real property owner. The victims of these scams relied solely on the representations made by the scammer as to the availability of the flat, and did not inspect the premises before making payment. Victims reported being told by the scammer to make their upfront payment quickly, as ‘the flat won’t be available for long.’ Remember that this is not new or unique. It is a tried-and-true tactic used by landlords to beguile their prospective tenants into quickly taking up the rental deal without asking the important questions.
The smoke signal that says “get out now!” is when they accept payment and suddenly come up with an excuse not to allow you to move in at the earliest convenience, or refuse to issue receipts as evidence of your payment.
The Red Flags to Look Out For
To avoid getting scammed, the number one rule to follow is: If something appears too
1. Perfect pictures: The rental ad pictures look a bit too perfect—more like an elegant, high-priced city hotel rather than a furnished apartment?
This should set alarm bells ringing for you! Most likely, the pictures were stolen from a brochure or a genuine ad.
Use reverse image search on Google to see if the pictures are from somewhere else.
2. Mismatched photos: You can see three bedrooms in the pictures that look completely different from each other?
Does the one-bedroom apartment come with two kitchens?
Mismatched photos like these are definitely a warning sign.
3. Too good of a deal: Low rent, perfect location and high-end furnishings.
If you think you have found your dream apartment and can hardly believe your luck that it’s so cheap, you can be pretty sure it isn’t luck—it’s a rental scam.
4. Viewing isn’t possible: Scammers often pretend they are away for business or other reasons and therefore cannot offer a viewing.
If you can’t see the place for yourself before signing the papers, that’s a definite red flag.
5. Time pressure: If a landlord puts pressure on you to move quickly and reserve the property by making an upfront payment, or asks you to pay the deposit immediately via bank transfer, mobile wallets or in cash, you should be extremely careful.