How to Protect Yourself From Rental Scams

Beware of Rental Scams on the Gold Coast: Tips to Protect Yourself

There has been a rise in the usage of online rental platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, which has led to an increase in rental fraud cases on the Gold Coast. Brennan Hill, a member of the Local Property Team, has created a YouTube video that highlights this issue and provides five essential tips to help renters protect themselves from such scams.

The scam involves criminals pretending to be property owners and advertising fake rentals by stealing images from legitimate listings. Recently, Hill's property management team encountered two individuals who were almost tricked by this elaborate scheme. The fraudsters carefully crafted messages to deceive their victims, even requesting personal information and asking them to fill out applications.

To prevent falling victim to such scams, Hill offers five crucial tips:

1. Verify Platforms: Legitimate agents typically don't advertise properties on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Be cautious when dealing with rentals from such sources.

2. Check Email Addresses: Professional email addresses, such as those associated with real estate agencies, are indicators of legitimacy. Be wary of generic email accounts like Gmail or Outlook.

3. Meet in Person: Always arrange to meet the landlord or agent at the property. This step ensures the property's existence and helps verify the legitimacy of the landlord.

4. Verify Documents: Scrutinise rental documents for authenticity. Government-issued tenancy agreements should be familiar and correct. Don't hesitate to question any discrepancies.

5. Use Trust Accounts: Only make payments through agents with trust accounts. Legitimate agents adhere to strict protocols, reducing the risk of financial loss.

It's important to reach out to local real estate agents if you're unsure about a rental property. They have access to ownership information and can offer helpful insights to identify potential scams. It's crucial to spread awareness about rental scams, as seen in major newspapers like the Courier Mail and Channel 7 News.

By sharing this information and tagging individuals in the rental marketplace, renters can collectively combat rental fraud and protect themselves from financial losses and identity theft. In conclusion, it's vital to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding rental transactions.

Following these tips and staying informed will help individuals navigate the rental market securely and confidently, ensuring a smooth and legitimate renting experience.

Thank you to all of the media outlets that featured our helpful tips:

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/queensland/alert-gold-coast-rental-scam-exposed/video/b31fb6ce52b5d5b02a1724d4e9b474ab

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/queensland/alert-gold-coast-rental-scam-exposed/video/b31fb6ce52b5d5b02a1724d4e9b474ab

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/alert-gold-coast-rental-scam-exposed/video/b31fb6ce52b5d5b02a1724d4e9b474ab

https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/queensland/alert-gold-coast-rental-scam-exposed/video/b31fb6ce52b5d5b02a1724d4e9b474ab

https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/alert-gold-coast-rental-scam-exposed/video/b31fb6ce52b5d5b02a1724d4e9b474ab

https://www.themercury.com.au/news/queensland/alert-gold-coast-rental-scam-exposed/video/b31fb6ce52b5d5b02a1724d4e9b474ab