Police have said that online rental scams cost Victorians, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay over $125,000 in the first four months of 2023.
Detectives from the Cybercrime Squad are investigating an increasing series of reports of rental scams where a property is falsely offered for rent using online advertisements.
With the current high demand for rental properties and an increase in rental prices, the rental market is becoming increasingly competitive, and properties are harder to obtain.
Subsequently, well known property websites and online marketplaces are increasingly popular for offenders to utilise and deceitfully convince victims that a property is available for rent.
Generally, victims are enticed with cheap rent and persuaded to act quickly by paying a deposit to secure the property.
The offender may send photos and videos of a property, real addresses, copies of land titles and sometimes scans of passports, which they will purport are their own to make it feel genuine.
They will often ask for one month’s rent and bond upfront, before requesting the victim send through identification documents such as drivers’ licences, Medicare cards and passports.
Once offenders have this information, they will often use the identification to commit identity fraud and scam other unsuspecting victims.
Since January 1, 2023, Victoria Police has received reports of over 61 rental scams, with a total reported loss of $125,819.23 so far.
Those aged between 18-29 were the highest reported victims, with over 40 reports received from that age bracket.
Eleven reports were received in the 30-39 age bracket, four each in 40-49 and 50-59, and one in 60-69 (one report has no age recorded).
Cybercrime Squad Detective Sergeant John Cheyne said that these opportunistic scams are hitting everyday Victorians where it really hurts, particularly during a shortage of rental properties and a cost-of-living crisis.
“If something seems too good to be true and the rent seems much too low for the area, it probably is. You should always inspect a property in person, or if that’s not possible, send someone on your behalf,” Mr Cheyne said.
“Never send your personal details early on in the process, and you should never sign a lease agreement or make any payments before seeing the property.
“Double check the advertised property information and do your own independent searches on phone numbers, email addresses and names.
“Speak to the person over the phone and arrange a meeting in person if you feel comfortable to do so. You should also consider using a reputable accommodation website that offers added protection.
“If you suspect you’ve been the victim of a rental scam, call your bank immediately and let them know, before reporting the matter via ReportCyber. You should also contact the platform on which you were scammed to inform them of their circumstances.”
Anyone with knowledge of these incidents and those responsible is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
