lodgers and a warning!

temba

Hello, Thank you to all who replied to my post about renting a room out.... I have to tell you there is quite a story which has developed since I decided to rent it to the stranger from the internet this morning!

I went through easyroommate website, about which I have only ever heard good things. The girl in question lives in France so was unable to visit first. I'm quite optimistic and trusting (too much so it appears), but the warning bells started to ring when she said her agent would send me a cheque for the deposit and first month's rent, and could i forward the remainder onto another agent who would book her flights. I agreed initially, though I thought it was odd, then she emailed and told me that I would receive a cheque this week for £3500!!! The rent and deposit would be £700. I told her I couldn't possibly do this.

I've since read up on easyroommate's scam and fraud board, and apparently this is quite a common scam, involving cheques which bounce, but by this time the potential flat mate already has your money. Naturally I have told her that the room is no longer available to her, and I've also told her the reason why. I will never rent my room out to someone I've not met now. Thank God that lesson didn't cost me any more than time and emails.

Be warned!

skylight

Be aware that this scam hits ebay, autotrader and everything really!

They play on peoples greed - luckily, being a DFW does not make us greedy but wary! Glad you sussed it out!

Glitterari

Why don't go for someone who is after a room and is currently in the UK?! There is a UK part of the site also.

MinnieSpender

Wow temba! That's awful. Thank goodness you had the presence of mind to do a bit of checking up on her before you agreed!

Good luck with finding a lodger - word of mouth might suit better. Do any friends of friends need lodgings?

Emmzi

Very glad you didn't get caught out Temba.

temba

It was on the UK part of the site! I will definitely go for someone in the UK though now. Easyroommate say that this scam nearly always involves people who are apparently abroad.

MinnieSpender

temba - I've just noticed you're in Manchester. Have you considered taking a student? They usually only want short-term lets so if it doesn't work out you're not committed forever. I'd probably suggest a post-grad or overseas student (more mature - sorry all students reading this!!). Contact the accommodation offices at the Unis and colleges for more information.

Glitterari

Ahhhhh - anyways I would never ever agree to have a lodger that I haven't met before hand (not that I have or have ever had a room to rent out) and I would never move in with someone I hadn't met before hand. This doesn't always work as you sometimes still get burnt (which I have) but you live and learn xxx

seven-day-weekend

Yes, I agree, if you are in Manchester apply to the Universities. (Accommodation Unit).

You have to have a current Gas Safety Certificate for this (at least you do for Wolverhampton Uni).

Good luck!

hjb123

We've had this scam with our holiday cottage. The person wishing to book (normally from abroad) says that they will send us the money but there will be more than required and can we send the difference to someone somewhere else - normally someone abroad

nearlyrich

My DD got an email like this when she was selling her car, it's everywhere.