File picture: Gerd Altman/Pixabay
Rondebosch police are urging university students seeking accommodation in Rondebosch to be careful of rental scammers ahead of the start of the new academic year.
Two big rental scams were reported in the area last month, according to Rondebosch police spokesman Warrant Officer Lyndon Sisam.
At the beginning of December, a 22-year-old woman was swindled out of R14 000 when she was looking for a place to stay, said Warrant Officer Sisam.
“She saw a spot on RentUncle and phoned them and was told to deposit R14000 to secure the place, which she did,” he said.
She had been sent a lease agreement but then all communication had stopped and when she had tried repeatedly to make contact she found the phone number no longer existed, he said.
On Monday December 12, a man looking for a place at Rondebosch Oaks had reported being scammed out of R3600, said Warrant Officer Sisam.
“The victim paid the money but could not get hold of the person again as the phone was disconnected,” he said.
Warrant Officer Sisam said that in a genuine rental deal, the money would only change hands once the tenant had met with the owner or agent and the property had been viewed.
“Therefore, anyone who asks for money upfront should be avoided regardless of how professional they seem.”
For queries, contact Rondebosch police at 021 685 6600.