HELP NEEDED - Gumtree scam?

SD1983

I have recently placed a holding deposit (a % of full deposit) for a flat in London found via Gumtree. The price was really good and the property was perfect so we snapped it up. We met the potential landlord and have been in contact with them.

I have not put the full deposit in to their account as I have had some Qs around the contract etc. I have been advised by the landlord to put the deposit in the account and that on the date we move in, she will meet us at the property with the keys and the contract to sign.

The details of the bank account were not the landlords name, and the account was not recognised by my bank - it stated: "
The beneficiary Bank have advised us that the sort code and account number provided are incorrect. Please check the details and try again
"

I have requested their home address and work details (I think I have found the home address on line), and have asked for Gas Certificate, details of the deposit scheme and a copy of the AST agreement. these have not been provided.

Do you think this is a potential scam, and if not, is there anything I can do to protect myself?

pauletruth

yes. have you spoken to the people who are there. the daughter was nearly con in a simular way. why have you not viewed the property.

G_M

Gumtree scam?

I have recently placed a holding deposit (a % of full deposit) for a flat in London found via Gumtree. The price was really good and the property was perfect so we snapped it up. We met the potential landlord and have been in contact with them.

This combination of words in your post screams scam.

What checks did you make on the 'landlord'? Land Registry? ID? Asked to see Consent To Let from his mortgage lender? (see land registry to check his mortgage).

If the money has been returned to your account you have had a narrow escape.

SD1983

Thanks for the reply. We have viewed the property, and at the same time met with the landlord putting down a holding deposit to ensure the others outside who were there ti view it could not take it.

G_M

What evidence did you get that the person you met was a genuine landlord? that he owned the property?

Often with Gumtree, it is an outgoing tenant who shows people round pretending to be the landlord, takes deposits from them all, then leaves.....

Check the name on the LR (see above). Check the mortgage. Check the ID of the 'landlord'.

FraudBuster

Rental fraud happens when would-be tenants are tricked into paying an upfront fee to rent a property.


http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/fraud-az-rental-fraud