Desperate QLD renters scammed out of $40k amid housing crisis

Hundreds of desperate Queensland renters have been targeted by scammers taking advantage of the state’s housing crisis, with authorities revealing just how much they have lost so far.

Hundreds of desperate Queensland renters have been targeted by scammers who are taking advantage of the state’s housing crisis.

The Australian Competion and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has received more than 275 reports nationally via Scamwatch, with losses exceeding $175,000 as of August 5.

Of those, 59 complaints have been made by Queenslanders, who have lost a combined $35,811, according to an ACCC spokeswoman.

But that could just be the tip of the iceberg, with the Financial and Cyber Crime Group receiving 452 reports nationally, of which 169 were from Queensland victims.

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Computer hacker stealing data from a laptop concept for network security, identity theft and computer crime. Picture: iStock.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said there had been a “slight” increase in rental scam reports in June, with 28 reported to police, up from 25 in May and 19 in April.

“In Queensland, the average amount victims have lost to these reported scams is $2724 ($8635 nationally),” the QPS spokeswoman said.

“Recent examples include victims identifying what they believe to be private rentals on social media and sending money upfront for requested bonds, rents or deposits, only to discover after funds were transferred that the rental ad was fake.

“Some victims are not only losing money through the rental scam, but also having their identity stolen if they provide identity documents such as a drivers licence to the scammer.

“The Financial and Cyber Crime Group are warning the community to be wary when searching for a private rental property, especially if you are not offered the opportunity to meet the owner or conduct a walk through.

“Conduct your own independent research to check if the offer is legitimate – a reverse image search of the property or person listing the property can be a useful tool.

“Be cautious providing money or personal particulars to people you have not met.

“Where possible, avoid paying money via money transfer as it is rare to recover money sent this way.”

Renters line up to inspect a property in Kedron in May Picture: Richard Walker

The ACCC revealed that renters aged between 18 and 24 years had lost the most money to rental scams in Queensland, with women losing more than men.

It is not uncommon to see single mothers or women fleeing domestic violence pleading for help to find a home on social media platforms.

Young people with limited rental history have also taken to online forums to find a place to live.

“Thirteen per cent of Queensland reporters of rental scams have English as a second language and almost 7 per cent are Indigenous,” the ACCC spokeswoman revealed.

“Queensland has the second highest losses to rental scams after NSW.”

Nurse Lucille O’Brien and her truck driver husband Kyle and their kids were forced to live at a holiday park after being unable to secure a rental property. Picture: Matthew Poon.

Queensland is in the grips of a rental crisis, with vacancy rates at record lows in many regions.

Last month, Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella warned renters to remain vigilant.

“Often when the market is competitive, people are driven to look for rentals outside of traditional means, such as on social media, which can of course open up more options but comes with risk,” she said.

“It’s important to stay vigilant to rental scams ensuring that a property is legitimate and that the property owner is who they purport to be before transferring any monies – despicably, there are cyber criminals trying to take advantage of people who are desperate for a home, and a telltale sign can be a property advertised for far less than the average market rate of the area.”

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SAFETY TIPS

– Do not send money to a prospective landlord before you have inspected the property you intend to rent. Scammers claim to own accommodation they do not and will make excuses as to why they cannot show you the property, such as being overseas.

– Do an internet search of the exact wording of the rental advertisement. Scammers often reuse descriptions, and searches may reveal previous scams.

– Check other sites to see if the property is advertised in multiple places but with different contact details. Scammers can steal photos and ads from legitimate real estates or rental sites.

– If you are dealing with an agent, make sure they are licenced. Do an independent search for a phone number and speak to the property manager over the phone or arrange a meeting in person.

– If you’ve provided your banking details to someone you suspect may be a scammer, contact your bank immediately.

– We encourage everyone to report scams to the ACCC via the Scamwatch report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible.

– If you have given money or personal information to a scammer you contact IDCARE. IDCARE can provide assistance to help people recover from a scam or identity compromise.

(Source: ACCC)

Originally published as Desperate QLD renters scammed out of $40k amid housing crisis