Are there scam agents on Rightmove/Zoopla

howisthisriskfree

As above. I know there are many property scams on Gumtree because of it's ease of posting an advert.

I was wondering if the same things are possible on Rightmove or Zoopla, or are there further checks to make sure listings are legitimate? Have not heard too many cases of rip-offs on these sites. Surely it would be too difficult if identities had to be verified etc.

Reason why I'm askin' is that I have seen a property but it appears there are too many warning signs about the agent (address is a holding address, have no website either).

Property is priced in line with market, IMO.

Guest101

A property that is for sale? I mean what's the scam?


I would say that yes there probably are some scam agents, but not fake agents. It just wouldn't be worthwhile.

howisthisriskfree

No, for rent.

Rather concerned the scam might be similar to the Gumtree one, ie, we see a flat, then pay a deposit and never hear from them again.

Just wondered if there were any checks, or indeed any further protection from the platform for cases of fraud.

Guest101

howisthisriskfree wrote: »

No, for rent.

Rather concerned the scam might be similar to the Gumtree one, ie, we see a flat, then pay a deposit and never hear from them again.

Just wondered if there were any checks, or indeed any further protection from the platform for cases of fraud.

Here's a tip - never pay a cash deposit. Ever.


There are some checks and adverts are paid for, so there is an element of additional protection.

davidmcn

howisthisriskfree wrote: »

Rather concerned the scam might be similar to the Gumtree one, ie, we see a flat, then pay a deposit and never hear from them again.

Just wondered if there were any checks, or indeed any further protection from the platform for cases of fraud.

The typical Gumtree scam features (1) you don't view the flat at all (because the fraudster doesn't actually have anything to do with it), and (2) you pay by Western Union (possibly to yourself or a friend) and send the receipt to the "landlord".

As far as I know, agents need to subscribe (at significant cost) to list on Rightmove, so random Nigerian fraudsters aren't going to be interested. Though Rightmove itself doesn't add any protection if you do have problems with an agent or landlord.

MK__2

Make sure that the rental agent is registered with one of the deposit safety schemes, and gives you the reference for your deposit.

We nearly got burned by a cowboy agent who took our deposit and didn't put it into one. They were using the rental deposits to support their cash flow during the hard housing market times (which is illegal). Their company went bust, and they told us they couldn't pay anything back.

Fortunately our landlord took pity and refunded us, and took up the legal case with the rogue agents themselves.

Guest101

MK_ wrote: »

Make sure that the rental agent is registered with one of the deposit safety schemes, and gives you the reference for your deposit. - Neither of those things matter. The deposit could be registered by the LL for a start. And this is about holding deposits, not security / damage deposits.

We nearly got burned by a cowboy agent who took our deposit and didn't put it into one. They were using the rental deposits to support their cash flow during the hard housing market times (which is illegal). - That's debateable. Can you cite the law? Their company went bust, and they told us they couldn't pay anything back. - good thing its the landlord, not agent who's responsible

Fortunately our landlord took pity and refunded us, and took up the legal case with the rogue agents themselves.

The LL didn't take 'pity' it was always the job to pay you back

howisthisriskfree

Thanks for the replies guys. I had read a slightly more sophisticated version of the scam where you actually do visit the flat, and yeah, there would be no way I would pay cash. I don't mind transferring money to someone like Foxtons, or for some company with a track record.

At the same time I realise it probably costs hundreds, if not thousands to maintain listings on these sites, as well as having to pay for membership of various things.

Perhaps it's easier if I gave a link to the page:
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/find-agents/branch/parkers-the-online-estate-agent-london-85891/

Google the address and company name and you probably could understand my concerns.

I suppose a more pertinent question, has anyone here had dealings with them?

Guest101

howisthisriskfree wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys. I had read a slightly more sophisticated version of the scam where you actually do visit the flat, and yeah, there would be no way I would pay cash. I don't mind transferring money to someone like Foxtons, or for some company with a track record. - HAHAHAHAHAHA really??!!

At the same time I realise it probably costs hundreds, if not thousands to maintain listings on these sites, as well as having to pay for membership of various things.

Perhaps it's easier if I gave a link to the page:
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/find-agents/branch/parkers-the-online-estate-agent-london-85891/

Google the address and company name and you probably could understand my concerns.

I suppose a more pertinent question, has anyone here had dealings with them?

Foxton's are one of the worst

Guest101

What you should've done is check the companies house register, which shows the company has only existed for about 2 months and is run by a 27 year old

howisthisriskfree

That's what I mean, I did that already. It seems fishy, but then it seems the most unlikely way of doing a fraud. Across all the property portals they have hundreds of ads. But then I am trying to think of a possible way they may be legitimate but I can't think of one. Which takes me back to the original question in the opening post.

Only used Foxtons as an example. I know they are an outright rip-off but I very much doubt if I paid them money and signed a deal they would renege on it.