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Key Points
- Scammers have infiltrated major property websites.
- Community groups say international students are most vulnerable to fall victims to rental scamming.
- The real estate industry is urging agents and tenants to be extra vigilant.
“He even did up an application form that looked fairly similar to other ones I’ve filled out before.”
I guess in the desperation of it we were kind of oblivious to some red flags.
Cody
“It’s hard especially in the rising cost of living times to earn that money back, it’s not just one paycheck, it’s almost two months’ worth of paychecks for us to set that aside again,” Cody said.
The couple were scammed after contacting the supposed owner of a property listed on a rental site through Facebook. Source: SBS News / Kerrin Thomas
Rental scamming is a process where the scammer uploads photos of a property on various platforms, making it appear like a normal listing – the goal is to steal money from those who fall trap to it.
Professional scammers infiltrate into major property markets
“We always act swiftly to remove any fraudulent listings that we identify, and alongside our customers, we proactively inform renters who may have unknowingly inquired on a fraudulent listing,” the group said in a statement.
ID-CARE, a not-for-profit identity and cyber security service, said they’re handling over 700 cases of rental scamming, with a total of $117,143 lost since the beginning of the year.
International students vulnerable to rental scamming
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Asal, an international student from Uzbekistan said finding a place to live was extremely difficult, despite extensive research before arriving in Australia.
“I spoke with the concierge there and after several calls, it turned out to be that the owner of this place is not renting that place. This apartment is not for lease and it’s all a scam.”
Calls for more protection against rental scams
He said considering the financial contribution these international students bring to Australia, educational institutions should invest in housing and explore opportunities to expand into the regions.
How to spot red flags.
Cody said you can pick up on clues by how the seller operates.
Cody and Jaiden have now been forced to consider alternative housing options, such as moving into a share house with another couple. Source: SBS News / Kerrin Thomas
“You just kind of have to watch out for the grammar, the punctuation, the way that they’re coming across in the conversation, whether they’re demanding, or quite friendly,” Cody said.
“Unfortunately, we’re now forced into exploring a share house option with another couple.”