We have written previously about the rise of rental scams, particularly those targeting people through social media platforms. However, as technology evolves, so do the tactics of fraudsters. We are now seeing a shift toward more sophisticated "clone" scams, where criminals use names nearly identical to reputable agents to deceive hopeful tenants, as well as scammers posing as private landlords letting out their own homes.

Recently, we were alerted to a distressing situation where a prospective tenant arrived at a private home for a viewing, having already paid a deposit and received "paperwork." The house was not for rent, and the "agent" they had dealt with was a fraudster.

To help you navigate the market safely, here is what you need to know about the current landscape of property fraud.

It’s Not Just a Social Media Problem

While many scams begin with a fake advert on Facebook or Instagram, they are moving into the "real world" through several deceptive methods:

 

Brand Cloning: Scammers create fake email addresses or profiles using names very similar to real agents to provide a false sense of legitimacy.

The "Private Landlord" Disguise: Criminals often bypass the agency look altogether, pretending to be a homeowner letting out their own property. They use a personal touch to build trust before asking for money.

Stolen Listings: They take photos and descriptions from genuine sales listings (homes that are currently for sale, recently sold, to let or let agreed) and repost them as "available for rent" to bait victims.

Professional-Looking Paperwork: Fraudsters are now generating fake tenancy agreements and receipts to make the transaction feel "official" before they disappear with your money.

 

Red Flags: How to Spot a "Fake" Agent or Landlord

Whether you are dealing with a supposed agency or a private individual, you should be highly suspicious if:

 

They demand money before a viewing: No reputable agent or genuine landlord will ever ask for a "holding fee," "security deposit," or "admin fee" before you have physically walked through the property.

The viewing is "unaccompanied": If someone tells you to just "go and knock on the door" or "peek through the windows" because they are "out of town" or "too busy," it is almost certainly a scam.

Communication is via WhatsApp only: While many people use WhatsApp for convenience, official contracts and payment instructions should always come through verified, professional channels.

Pressure Tactics: If they claim there are "ten other people waiting" and you must pay now to secure the keys without seeing the house, walk away.

 

How to Verify You Are Dealing With a Real Agent

If you have any doubt about a person claiming to represent a Letting Agent, stop and verify:

 

Ignore provided links: Do not click links or call numbers sent in a suspicious social media message or text.

Call the landline: Find the agency’s official website through a search engine and dial the office number listed there. Ask to speak with the person who messaged you. If the office has no record of them or the property, you have just avoided a scam.

Be careful when posting on social media if you are trying to find a rental property as this can expose you to unscrupulous scammers. If someone contacts you about a property to rent claiming to be acting on behalf of a specific agency, always be sceptical and contact the agency in question directly.

A genuine letting agent won’t mind you checking their credentials, so always go back to the named agent to find out whether the person who contacted you is genuinely working for them.

You should never give out your payment details via a social media platform and never pay for anything upfront via these channels.  A genuine agent will have strict processes in place to ensure that transactions are executed securely.

Stay Safe With DB Roberts

We take your security seriously. If you ever feel a communication from "DB Roberts" or any other source looks suspicious, please report it to us immediately so we can help protect you and others.

Verify a listing or talk to our team:

Call: 01952 291622

Email: lettings@dbroberts.co.uk

Visit: We have physical branches in Stafford, Shrewsbury, Telford, Wellington and Wolverhampton. Come in and see us for a face-to-face chat!

Start Your Search Safely

The safest way to find your next home is to use our official website or verified property portals where we list our full stock of available homes. By using these links, you can be sure you are viewing genuine properties managed by our professional team.

View our current available properties here:  https://www.dbroberts.co.uk/property/to-rent/