RENTAL scams have again raised their ugly head in Limerick, with Gardaí dealing with a number of reports of criminals trying to part would-be tenants from their money.
Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station, said local Gardaí have had a number of incidents relating to rental scams reported in the last few weeks.
“The scammers in these incidents introduced a sense of urgency in the hope that the potential renters looking for accommodation will make impulsive decisions,” she said.
“The scammers communicated via email, attempting to obtain information from interested parties, with a view of obtaining bank details for a deposit for the property. In these cases, it was fortunate that none of the potential renters provided any banking information or details.”
Sergeant O’Halloran described some red flags that tenants should look for when trying to rent.
“If the rent is too good to be true, it means that it is not true.
The advertisements for the accommodation are only through social media or emails,” she said.
“If the ‘owner’ will only communicate remotely and will not meet in person.
“If there is a sense of urgency, i.e. this is a one-time offer or renter is leaving the country for health-related matters or lives abroad.
“If payment is demanded before viewing or providing images of property for rent rather than an in person viewing.”
Even if the person claiming to be an owner is willing to meet at the accommodation, it’s still renter beware, the officer said.
“Ideally you should go through a reputable letting agency. If it is third level students, I recommend to go to the college, students union, or word of mouth from a trusted friend.
“Always view the accommodation and ensure the person you meet has the right to rent it and that the keys open the locks,” she advised.
“Then when it comes to payment, credit cards are the safest form of payment, but disengage immediately if the person asks for payment through cryptocurrency, asks you to wire the payment through Western Union, or to pay in iTunes gift cards.
“Be wary of cloned sites. Check the spelling of the websites address. ‘httpS’ for secure is in the address bar, also a padlock – these are good indicators.”
