Police warn of latest housing scam
ISLANDERS are being warned about a scam targeting people who are looking to rent a flat.
Guernsey Police announced that last week there were two reported victims, with one losing a considerable amount of money.
'It appears that rental properties within the Royal Terrace Complex are being advertised on social media such as Facebook,' a spokesperson for the police said.
'Contact is done via Messenger and SMS Text [and] the scammer will state that they have a link to Jersey and possibly a property company there.
'The scammer will say that they will come over to Guernsey to show the prospective rentee around the property, the prospective rentee will then receive an invoice with UK bank account details and a request to pay the deposit and one months rent in advance.'
Bailiwick Law Enforcement Financial Criminal Team and Trading Standards have advised people looking to rent a property to be on their guard when entering into a rental agreement for a property which is advertised on social media and not connected to a local reputable letting agent.
They also recommend not paying any deposits unless there has been a physical meeting with the owner of the property or a verified representative.
'Together, as a community, we can ensure no one else falls victim,' the spokesperson said.
If you suspect that you are the victim of a scam contact the Police on 725111, Trading Standards on 234567 or report via Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk
