Rental Scam Awareness: Protect Yourself

International students are frequently targeted by rental scammers. Know the warning signs to protect your money.

Common Scams

1. The "Overseas Landlord" Scam

How it works: Landlord claims to be overseas and can't show the property. They'll send keys after you pay.

Reality: There is no property. You'll never see your money again.

Red flags:

• Landlord "working abroad" or "missionary"
• Photos seem professional or too good
• Price below market rate
• Keys sent after payment only

2. The "Fake Listing" Scam

How it works: Scammer copies a real listing, advertises it at a lower price, collects deposits.

Reality: The property exists, but scammer has no connection to it.

Red flags:

• Price significantly lower than similar listings
• Photos look familiar (reverse image search)
• Urgency to pay before viewing
• Won't do video call from property

3. The "Early Deposit" Scam

How it works: You're asked to pay "holding deposit" before viewing to secure the room.

Reality: After payment, communication stops or excuses continue.

Red flags:

• Any payment before viewing
• Small "holding fee" requested
• Excuses about why you can't inspect yet

4. The "Identity Theft" Scam

How it works: Fake application process collects your personal details (ID, bank info).

Reality: Your identity is used for fraud.

Red flags:

• Requesting too much info too early
• Bank details before signing anything
• Copies of ID before viewing
• Unusual application forms

Protection Strategies

Before Viewing

✓ Research the listing address ✓ Reverse image search the photos ✓ Check if price matches the market ✓ Verify the lister/agent ✓ Never pay before viewing

At the Viewing

✓ Confirm it's the actual property owner/agent ✓ Check keys work ✓ Verify landlord owns the property (ask for proof) ✓ Bring someone with you if unsure

Payment

✓ Get a receipt for everything ✓ Pay via traceable methods ✓ Get rental agreement before paying ✓ Verify bond lodgement with state authority

What If You've Been Scammed?

Immediately

1. Stop all communication and payments
2. Document everything (messages, transfers, listings)
3. Report to police

Also Report To

• Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au)
• The platform where you found the listing
• Your bank (may be able to recover funds)
• Your university international office

Recovery

• Bank reversals are sometimes possible (act quickly)
• Report identity theft to IDCARE if personal info was shared
• Monitor your credit for unusual activity

Safe Renting Checklist

Before paying anything: □ I have physically viewed the property □ I have met the landlord or their representative in person □ I have verified they can legally rent the property □ I have a written rental agreement □ I have received rent receipts □ Bond is being lodged with proper authority (formal rentals)

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Remember: A few hundred dollars saved on rent isn't worth losing thousands to a scam. Legitimate landlords understand caution. If they pressure you, walk away.