Property rental scam prompts inquiry
TRADING Standards officers are investigating reports that a fraudster tried to con househunters out of hundreds of pounds.
An investigation is under way after a Southport property was listed on the online classified advert service Gumtree for rent at a significantly reduced price.
It is believed this was a trap set up to lure targets into paying deposits despite the supposed seller having no connection to the property.
The home was also listed for rent legitimately at a town centre estate agent.
The Gumtree listing was £100 below the monthly rental requested by the estate agent but when a prospective renter made an inquiry to the online advert, they were told the owner had emigrated and they would be required to pay a large deposit to gain access to the property.
It was then that the alarm was raised and Trading Standards began their investigations.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regulation and compliance, said: “As soon as we were made aware of this scam we have requested that the fraudulent listing be taken down and we are investigating the matter further.
“In this instance the person who was being scammed raised the alarm in plenty of time and thankfully did not part with any cash, but others may not be so lucky.
“If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is and we would encourage everyone to be vigilant. Trading Standards regularly receive complaints about scams, ranging from rogue traders and doorstep salesmen to phone calls and letters designed to trick people into providing bank details.
“If you suspect any kind of fraudulent activity please report it on the Action Fraud hotline via 0300 123 2040 or by calling the Citizens Advice Bureau on 03454 04 05 06.
For more information on tackling fraud and spotting the signs, visit www.sefton.gov.uk/fraud.