Gardaí warn renters as landlord scam dupes victims out of cash
Finding a place to rent in Dublin is no easy task thanks to the ever-rising rent prices, overwhelming demand for properties and the lack of supply.More and more people are using social media, websites and forums in the hopes of finding a place to rent, and Gardai have issued a fresh alert for fake rental scams. An Garda Síochána have issued a formal warning over a specific new fraudulent scheme that targets people looking for rental accommodations.In the scheme, criminals impersonate landlords by posting fake or hijacked advertisements on reputable property websites. To exploit victims, they demand a deposit to schedule a viewing, falsely claiming that this fee ensures that potential tenants actually show up and weeds out time-wasters.However, these people do not actually have a property to rent. They may even have stolen images and details from real previous or current rental property listings to lure people into contacting them.Once the victim agrees to the fee, they are directed to a website or payment transfer to pay. They often then receive a telephone call from an individual pretending to be a bank representative.This caller claims the user's account has been compromised and requests authorization for payments or sensitive security information. By doing so, the scammers obtain complete control over the victim's bank account.Gardai in Kildare advised that to avoid falling victim to this scam, remember that legitimate landlords will never require a fee just to view a property. You should be wary of any situation where you are pressured to make a decision or provide funds immediately.Furthermore, be suspicious of any phone calls asking for personal banking details or security codes, as banks will not request this information. It is essential to verify both the listing and the landlord's identity independently before proceeding with a viewing or with paying for any part of a tenancy, from rent to a deposit.A Garda Facebook post reads: "Criminals are posing as landlords and using legitimate property websites to advertise fake or compromised listings. Victims are then asked to pay a deposit to secure a viewing, often under the pretense of preventing no-shows.""If you believe you have been targeted or fallen victim to this scam, contact your bank Immediately."If you suspect you have been targeted or have already shared your information, you should contact your financial institution immediately.Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
