Tenants left with nowhere to live by scam artists posting fake property listings on Facebook and using Covid-19 as an excuse not to hold viewings

Scam artists have been using Covid-19 to swindle renters out of their deposits by posting fake property listings on social media and using the pandemic as a reason for not holding viewings.

North Yorkshire Police has warned of a resurgence in rental scams in the area during the crisis, urging tenants not to hand over money until they are sure the listing is legitimate.

The tactic was used several years ago, a financial investigator in the force has said, but has resurfaced in recent months with the pandemic providing the perfect get-out clause for fraudsters not holding property viewings.

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In some cases, victims have handed over money and been left nowhere to live.

Renters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings and using the pandemic as an excuse not to hold viewingsRenters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings and using the pandemic as an excuse not to hold viewings
Renters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings and using the pandemic as an excuse not to hold viewings

The scam involves rental properties being advertised by private landlords on Facebook, who then make interested tenants pay hundreds of pounds for an advanced rent deposit without having seen the home and under the promise of receiving keys in the post to avoid unnecessary contact.

The 'landlord' then disappears taking the victim's money with them.

Kevin Ross, a financial investigator for North Yorkshire Police, said: “This is a tactic we saw used a few years ago but then it seems to have had a resurgence with scammers finding yet another way to take advantage of the current situation with Covid-19.

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“Not only has it already resulted in victims losing hundreds of pounds but it’s also meant that in some cases they have been left with nowhere to live, having given notice to move out of their current properties."

Renters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings. Picture: Adobe Stock ImagesRenters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings. Picture: Adobe Stock Images
Renters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings. Picture: Adobe Stock Images

A ban on landlords evicting tenants from properties during the lockdown was lifted on Sunday, although the Government said that this would be kept under review and that a six-month notice period for renters to find a new property would be in place over the winter.

Renters dealing with private landlords are now being urged not to hand over any money without visiting the property and ensuring they are the legal owner.

Prospective tenants have the right to request to see the landlord’s Land Registry papers to prove ownership, or for £3 you can search property ownership information on the Land Registry website.

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Renters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings. Picture: Adobe Stock ImagesRenters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings. Picture: Adobe Stock Images
Renters are being left with nowhere to live by fraudsters posting fake property listings. Picture: Adobe Stock Images
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