Warning issued after increase in reports of rental fraud scheme in North Wales

North Wales Police are urging people to be vigilant over a rental fraud scheme targeting residents in the region.

It comes after an increase in incidents whereby members of the public are attempting to rent properties in the North Wales area using social media.

Police say that victims are paying upfront for the accommodation only to find that the person they are dealing with is not the owner of the property.

In March Wrexham.com reported that flats in the Wrexham and Flintshire areas have been advertised as being available to rent on the social media site.

The victims have been asked to pay an upfront deposit for the property.

However, once funds are transferred the advertiser does not get back in contact with the person paying the deposit.

The following advice has been issued to help protect yourself from rental fraud.

• Don’t send money to anyone advertising rental properties online until you’re sure the advertiser is genuine.
• Don’t pay any money until you or a reliable contact has visited the property with an agent or the landlord.
• Ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as Gas Electricity or HMO Licence.
• Do not be pressurised into transferring large sums of money. Transfer funds to a bank account having obtained the details by contacting the landlord or agent directly after the above steps have been followed. Be sceptical if you’re asked to transfer any money via a money transfer service like Western Union.

More information on scams can be found on the Action Fraud website.