When looking for a place to rent, be aware that there have been fake rental listings, usually online.
Scammers advertise properties that do not belong to them and ask for money to be paid up front before allowing you to inspect the property. Once the payment is made, the fraudulent advertiser can’t be contacted.
When you are looking for a place to rent:
- don’t pay any money unless you have inspected the rental property
- don’t pay any money unless you are satisfied that the agreement is genuine
- make sure both you and the landlord have completed the lodgment of security bond form
- make sure you get a receipt for any money paid
- be wary of sending money overseas, particularly to a post box number.
Any concerns or complaints about a rental listing scam should be made to Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
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More information
On this site Finding a place to rentShopper protectionScamsDownloads Confused about scams (PDF 115KB)
Spotting a scam (PDF 440KB)
The little black book of scams (PDF 1.4MB)
For an alternative version of these documents contact
CBS tenancies branch.