Dr Samantha Smith is STBB's chief content writer and legal editor. She graduated with a BSocSci, LLB, LLM, and PhD (Law) from the University of Cape Town. Skilled in socio-legal analysis, critical thinking, and creative and technical writing, she previously worked in investigative legal research, with a special focus on animal law and environmental policy. In her current role, Samantha handles all STBB content, including all social media, newsflashes, newsletters, articles and advertisements for publication in magazines and online portals, tenders and proposals, legal updates and presentations, webinar and podcast write-ups, biographies, brochures, information sheets, content for special projects, and various other digital publications.

All About Property | Prospective tenants beware: Online rental scams are on the rise

As consumers’ reliance on digital technology shows no signs of slowing down, it has emerged that criminals are increasingly targeting individuals who utilise unregulated online platforms to secure accessible rental accommodation.

While online rental scams are not a new phenomenon, various estate agencies have reported a rise in fraudulent activities impacting the rental property sector. Capitalising on the amplified demand for affordable rental property, scammers impersonate agents by listing properties – that they have no authority to market – on popular platforms, such as RentUncle and Facebook Marketplace, at prices well below market rates. Often, the adverts use stolen images of apartments or townhouses and either contain copy-pasted descriptions of the property or vague and inconsistent references. Unlike online portals that specialise in marketing the sale or lease of immovable property, these platforms do not verify the authenticity of property listings.

Lured by attractive pricing, unsuspecting victims are quickly requested to supply their personal information and to pay a deposit to criminals posing as legitimate property practitioners in order to secure the premises. Once the victim makes payment, the scammer cashes out and ends all communication.

Potential renters are urged to remain vigilant when using online platforms to find rental accommodation. While scams vary, there are several tell-tale indicators to be aware of, namely inconsistent property details, a reluctance to organise in-person viewings, requests for personal data, including identity documents and bank account details (before the conclusion of a lease agreement), and demands for urgent payment.

The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (‘PPRA’) has previously warned consumers of the prevalence of online rental scams. Notably, prospective tenants (and purchasers) can verify the legitimacy of an individual purporting to be an agent by visiting the PPRA’s website, and inserting the advertiser’s details in the ‘Find a Property Practitioner’ search feature.

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