Warning on accommodation scam

Date Added - 16/07/09

Moray Council's trading standards section has issued a warning about an internet scam offering rented accommodation that does not exist.

The warning comes after they were contacted by a Moray woman who became suspicious when she was asked for money up front before she had even seen a flat which was being offered for rent in Aberdeen.

Trish McInerney, from Buckie, had been looking for student accommodation for her daughter Lauren, 18.

Miss McInerney found the 'accommodation' on the Gumtree website and, following e-mail contact, an online exchange took place about viewing the property.

Her suspicions were aroused when the 'owner' indicated that he required a deposit to be forwarded by money order.

Investigations by trading standards officers have found that a similar type of scam was operating last year. It originated in Nigeria.

The scam begins with the posting on websites of an advert offering flats and other accommodation for rent, normally at attractively low prices.

The victim then communicates with the 'landlord' who advises that he lives outwith the UK and asks for confirmation that the contact is a genuine prospective tenant.

The scammer asks the victim to send a deposit by wire transfer or moneygram and then obtains the funds using counterfeit documentation.

Once the money is paid, there is little chance of ever seeing it again.

Moray Council's trading standards manager, David Owen, said many parents were likely to be searching for student accommodation in Aberdeen and elsewhere for their children before the start of the academic year.

"We would ask that they be aware of this type of scam and that no money, bank details, personal banking information or receipts be forwarded to unknown third parties," said Mr Owen.

"Trading standards are calling for websites such as these to take stronger action to protect potential customers and be more vigilant when taking on potential listings."

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to such a scam should contact Moray Council's trading standards section on 01343 554617 or Consumer Direct Scotland on 08454 040506.