Spare Room website scam

furiousmum

My son is doing an internship for 6 months in London. He arranged to see a property to rent from the Spare Room website. He met the agent at the property, liked it and said he'd take it. The agent told him to transfer the £200 admin fee and said she'd meet him the next day at the property to complete the paperwork and give him keys. Next day she rang him, told him it was doubled booked, was now not available but would show him others places. She said where they were which didn't suit so my son said he'd just get his admin deposit back. Of course that hasn't happened and she doesn't respond to texts or calls. He has her bank details and mobile number. What to do? He's only a 20 year old poor student and can't afford to lose this money. I'm furious. Also, she's readvertised the unavailable room!

LutonGirl

Sorry to hear this. Having a quick Google around I can see there are a number of these scammers in operation. If I were you I'd get your son to report to Action Fraud.

RAS

How did he pay her? It might be possible to get the payment reversed?

Also get hold of spareroom and make a formal complaint; find the unavailable room and click the link at the bottom to report it.

If she faces being cut off form her advertising source she might cough up.

furiousmum

Many thanks, will follow your advice. It's rotten to see young trusting kids ripped off.

furiousmum

Thank you for this. I'll follow up on your suggestion.

kboss2010

If it was transferred by a bank, speak to them ASAP and they can try to claim the money back.