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Beware: Criminal Rental Scam

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Unfortunately, we have seen another example this month of a potential tenant duped into parting with a considerable sum by a criminal impersonating a bone fide landlord. This particular example used NLA sourced paperwork and logo's to establish credibility and used the Covid-19 lockdown as an excuse to do everything via social media. Before you ask how people can be so gullible, have a look at some of the detail and see if you would have fallen for it.  

What Happened 

Ms. A, looking for a new home, answered an advert on social media for a property in Merton Rd, Southsea. A video of the property was available and the criminal who pretended to be a landlord demanded several references and other items of paperwork which led Ms. A to believe she was dealing with a genuine landlord. After all, if all someone wanted was you to send them money, why would they make you jump through hoops to do so? Well, the answer is simple – so that you believe they are genuine and when they do ask for money, you send it without thinking.

In this example, Ms. A was asked for and paid a deposit and 2 months rent in advance. A sum of almost £2,000.

As you will know, the NLA is no more and Adrian Jeakings was its chairman but has now retired. But if you were someone who had no experience of the property profession, would you have realised this? We spoke to the NRLA and they stated they have seen a number of examples of this scam, and we also raised it with PCC as the Civic Offices were given as the address of the NLA.

All agencies agree with us – Ms A needs to report to the police and talk to her bank urgently and everyone needs to be extra careful before paying funds to anyone they have not met in person, online fraud is getting ever more sophisticated, so do take care.

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About the author

Martin Silman

Martin Silman

Martin began his landlord journey 15 years ago, while working in an international role for a global telecommunications company. Since retiring he has extended his portfolio, which he manages with his wife, but has always focussed on the ‘small student HMO’ sector preferring to offer homes in the community for small groups to the more common ‘pack them in and take the money’ mentality. He has chaired the PDPLA for the past 6 years and has overseen the Associations transition from small local self-help group to a much larger and more professional institution which is recognised and listened to nationally. Alongside his PDPLA role, he also has leadership roles in a number of other local organisations – bringing his unique perspective, driving for change and increased use of technology while respecting the history that brought us here.

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