Wrexham residents warned over potential rental scams

A senior Wrexham councillor is urging those looking for rented accomodation to be aware of fraudsters targeting potential tenants.

The scam typically involves a criminal posing as a landlord or property manager to make potential renters pay money for a property that isn’t available, doesn’t exist, or isn’t theirs to rent out.

These scams can occur in various ways, however three are more common than others:

• Phantom Rentals: Listings for properties that don’t exist or aren’t for rent. Criminals pull you in with attractive photos and great deals.
• Hijacked Ads: Criminals copy legitimate rental ads and change the contact details, directing inquiries to themselves instead of the rightful owner.
• Bait-and-Switch: The property advertised is unavailable, but the criminal offers a different, often inferior, property.

According to Action Fraud one victim lost £1,400 after being targeted by rental scammers.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “The rental market is particularly busy at the moment with many potential renters going after the same property.

“This could mean the opportunity for fraudsters to scam someone out of their hard earned money is higher so it’s important to take follow the warning signs above to avoid falling victim to these types of scams.

“Remember to stay smart and rent safely!”

The avoid rental scams watch out for these common warning signs:

• Low rent: If the rent is significantly lower than other properties in the area, be cautious.
• Upfront Payments: Be wary of landlords who ask for money upfront before seeing the property, especially if they request payment via a bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
• No In-Person Meetings: Criminals often avoid face-to-face meetings. If the “landlord” is unable or unwilling to meet you in person or show you the property, this is a warning sign.
• High-Pressure Tactics: Criminals may pressure you to act quickly, claiming there are other interested people or that the offer is available for a limited time only.
• Incomplete or Vague Information: Legitimate listings provide detailed information. Be suspicious of ads with limited photos, vague descriptions, or typos and errors. If it’s an agent, they must belong to a redress scheme.

To stay safe only use reputable rental platforms. Check landlord out and verify their ownership of the property. Don’t pay anything before you see the property and when you do, pay rent securely

If you find out that a property you see offered for rent does not exist please report it to Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.

If you see a property you are interested you can check out the landlord on Rent Smart Wales before handing over any money or signing contracts.

Interested parties should always check the legitimacy of properties and Landlords on the Rent Smart Wales website before handing over any money or signing contracts.