Friday, July 19, 2013

How to spot a rental scam

By Katherine

Students often come to Melbourne desperate for a place to live and so they just choose whatever on Gumtree. But sadly at the end of every semester students come crying and complaining that they have lost lots of money and that they have no place due to this sort of scams.

Often these scams will ask for money for a place that students have not seen nor accepted. Often they will ask for money via Western Union to a landlord they have never met. Often it ranges from $50-$1000. 

So here are some things to be wary of when looking for a place to stay.

1) Look for duplicate stories- people often send duplicates into your inbox to try and scam you.

2) If it is too good to be true, then it probably is- eg a student rented a house for $50 per week. But upon close inspection it did not exist.

3) Watch for the grammar and the spelling- if the spelling is all over the place then you know its a scam. Such as coast for cost.

4) Never give out your personal details online. If you don't usually give it to a stranger, why would you give it out online? You wouldn't would you, even if they are from Christian missions and ministries.This is one example below.

 "But now I am on a christain mission in west african and thats the main reason for which we are looking forward to give out this apartment for rent for $120 per week to a family who can take good care of our house as his own I will like to solicit for your absoulute maintenance. and also please fill in the rent details and get back if you are really interested in having our apartment so that i can know all about you before giving you the address as soon as you fill the form i will get back to you with the address of the house.
RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name:
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number:
3)How old are you?:
4)Are you married?:
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?:
7)Do you have a car?:
8)Your Occupation?:
9)How many months will you like to leave there?: “
5) Know your rights when it comes to housing- seek assistance from the student housing advisers at Uni. They are there to assist students. Each semester they have housing sessions to help new students understand their rights when renting

6) Be wary of student accommodation providers especially ones not from your uni (or not affiliated with them). Unilodge is ok as they are affiliated with many unis. Or the houses at Melbourne Uni.

7) Do not find housing on gumtree.com. Often students pay a lot of money online for a place that they have never seen or lived in. Instead look through your universities housing site. Often student housing is advertised this way.  Domain.com is also another good site to look at.

Good luck in finding a house and remember to go through all the right channels. Remember to see the property before accepting it. If you need any help you should use your uni's housing service as they are there for all students.

Do you have a particular story that you'd like to share? Please post it below.

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