Rental Robbers

South Africans are no strangers to crime, in fact, many of us feel we have a good sense of judgement when it comes to being able to detect when we are in a compromising situation. However, there are scenarios where we are taken advantage of, especially if we feel our efforts will be worth it in the end. 

Property rental scams have once again been a headline topic, especially in Cape Town. Many home seekers have been entangled in rental scams, swindled for thousands of rands and left with no roof over their heads. At FMS Sales and Leasing, we pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service, leaving you feeling comfortable and at home. Our property market experts offer sage advice on how to identify a rental scam and how to avoid it.

Tell Tale Signs

When searching for a property to rent, rental cost and location are top of mind. And in an ever-growing populous city like Cape Town, finding a well-priced property to rent with all the amenities you desire, can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Many scammers take advantage of the desperation of renters and do their best to convince individuals and families that their offer is the best on the market. 

Numerous scam properties are marketed at below property market prices and in areas which are usually closer to centres of employment, making them more attractive to those in desperate need of housing. Coupled with the City of Cape Town's current housing crisis, it is easy to fall into the trap of being scammed out of your hard earned money. 

How to avoid being scammed

Detecting a scam may sound simple enough, however, as more and more interactions take place online, it is easier for scammers to cover their tracks and for you to be a victim of their scheme. Below are a few ways to avoid being scammed:

• Do your research - When looking at adverts for a rental property that meets all your needs, remember it may be too good to be true. Often scammers will upload an unusually large number of images. They do this to make you feel as if you are viewing the entire property without having to actually view it in person. Make sure to contact the rental agency or landlord and verify their Fidelity Fund certificate number. 
   
• Do not disclose personal information - Scam artists will try and establish a relationship of confidence, making you feel they are trustworthy. They will ask you to disclose personal information over the phone or via email, because 'it is easier' and 'more convenient'. Do not fall into this trap.
   
• View the property - Be wary of adverts on free classifieds websites. Scammers will try and delay the viewing of the property for as long as possible. This is because the property is not actually for rent. Make sure to view the property in person before making a decision. 
   
• Do not make a payment - To make sure their scam is successful, scam artists will encourage you to make a deposit as soon as possible. They will try to convince you that this is the best way to secure the property. Do not be persuaded to pay any form of deposit or application fee until you have physically viewed the property. 

Property scams in Cape Town

Property scams are not limited to rental properties. In an attempt to cash in on a bigger pay day, scam artists are also targeting property buyers. Whether renting, buying or even selling, make sure that you follow your instinct. Take the time to make sure you are protecting yourself, your assets, and, most importantly, your money. Be sure to ask questions. It is crucial that you are 100% satisfied with the answers you receive. Remember that a scam artist will have done all of their research, with the aim of sounding as genuine as possible. 

Employing the services of a trusted and reputable property rental agency will save you the long term heartache of a deal gone wrong.