Rental scams that involve fake lettings agents and bogus landlords have unfortunately been on the rise in recent years. If you’re looking for a property to rent in Sketty, it’s important to be aware of this. Here is our guide to ensure you are only ever dealing with a reputable Sketty letting agents.
Don’t fall prey to social media rental scams. You should always take the time to research any potential landlord or letting agent before you agree to pay any money. It is essential to look for a rental property through a reliable and trusted agent.
If you’re looking for a house to rent in Sketty, at Belvoir Sketty you can be confident you aren’t inadvertently exposing yourself to any criminal activity. Our team of Belvoir Sketty letting agents are experts of the local property market. They are experienced in finding contract holders their ideal home to rent in Sketty.
You can see our list of homes for rent in Sketty here, or follow our Facebook page where we share the latest property market updates. But first, find the best advice from our team of Sketty letting agents on how to avoid social media rental scams.
What Should I Know About Rental Property Social Media Scams?
There are now more scams than ever affecting the private rental sector and criminals have two common modes of operation.
One way they attempt to con prospective contract holders is by placing a fake advert for a property to let. Potential contract holders that show interest are then tricked into paying deposits. Examples include holding deposits, security deposits, and fees upfront without letting them view the property. These appear to be a normal part of the process which makes the scam more believable. They also often steal property details and photographs from genuine estate agent websites.
Contract holders are also targeted when the scammer contacts someone who has posted on social media platforms asking if anybody is aware of a home to rent. They then tell them they have their ideal home for rent. If the potential renter shows an interest, they then follow up with images and details. These details are usually stolen from a genuine lettings agent websites.
How Do I Spot A Facebook Property Scammer?
When looking for a house to rent in Sketty, It can be difficult to spot a property scammer. Many scammers use social media to trick you into sending money for a non-existent rental home. However, there are some key things to look out for.
- Often scammers will ask to correspond through WhatsApp. You should never agree to this.
- A genuine lettings agent or estate agent, like our team at Belvoir Sketty, will never ask for any payment information via social media platforms.
How Can I Avoid A Rental Property Online Scam?
- Be careful when posting on social media. If someone contacts you about a property to rent claiming to be acting on behalf of a specific agency, always be sceptical. Contact the agency in question directly.
- A genuine letting agent won’t mind you checking their credentials. Always go back to the named agent to find out whether the person who contacted you is genuinely working for them.
- You should never give out your payment details via a social media platform. Never pay for anything upfront via these channels. A genuine agent will have strict processes in place to ensure that transactions are executed securely.
Looking for a house to rent in Sketty?
Looking for a house to rent in Sketty? Get in touch with our Belvoir Sketty letting agent team today on 01792 001001 and start your search for the perfect home for you.
