PJ Lets Is this a scam?

drgenetix

Hello guys


I am looking to rent a property in London and I have emailed quite a few estate agents for the purpose. Yesterday I received an email from PJ Lets about a property that might suit me. I replied them to book a viewing and the guy said they just manage the marketing and that I need to contact the owner directly. The owner is a doctor who lives and works in Switzerland and wants me to pay the rent and deposit on booking.com before I book a viewing and if I end up not liking the property I'll be repaid. The property looks great from what I've seen in the pictures and the rent includes bills and tax. From the properties that I have viewed so far this seems too good to be true.



This would be my first time rental and therefore I don't have much experience of it. I was wondering if it is a scam. Please suggest/advise/enlighten me.


Thanks
Haider Ali

davidmcn

Of course it's a scam. Nobody pays rent or deposit before even viewing the property.

Astar1809

Scam no doubt

need_an_answer

Anything that is too good to be true usually is.

Run from this one and find something more suitable and that you can view easily without the need to pay anything upfront

hazyjo

This may help clarify. Def a scam.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6009811/withholding-holding-deposits

Country_Bumpkin_2

That sound eerily similar to a one Joe Lycett has spoken about if you search on YouTube for Scamming a Gumtree Scammer Joe Lycett you should find the video of how he dealt with it

Comms69

It's a scam, no doubt.

drgenetix

Thanks a lot guys. This site has been a blessing

G_M

Even if it is niaivity on thepart of the landlord and not a scam, do not pay.

drgenetix

It's just that I can't find anything on the internet regarding the PJ lets or the owner who claims to be a cardiologist in Switzerland. Makes me think if it is a practical thing.

davidmcn

drgenetix wrote: »

Makes me think if it is a practical thing.

What would be practical about it? Why would somebody demand money upfront before something as trivial as allowing a prospective tenant to view the property? Nobody else does that.

Even if you can find evidence of such a doctor existing, how would you verify that you're communicating with the same person?