We recently received a call from a distressed individual inquiring why we had not arrived to hand over the keys to a property we advertised in Romford. Unfortunately, we had no record of this person as an applicant.
It soon became clear that she had fallen victim to a rental fraud scheme. She had responded to an advertisement on Gumtree, where a fraudster falsely claimed ownership of the property. The scammer took £1,500 from her, promising that the property was hers and arranging a key handover. When she arrived at the location, no one was there. In her confusion, she called GBP Estates after seeing our "To Let" board, as we were the legitimate letting agents for the property.
We explained that we had no knowledge of the individual she paid and assured her that we would never request payment upfront. At that moment, she realized she had been scammed. Understandably, this was an upsetting experience, and we advised her to immediately contact her bank and report the incident to the police.
In our 16 years of business, we have never encountered a case like this, and we were equally shocked by the situation.
Rental Fraud: A Growing Concern
Research from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) indicates that individuals aged 18-39 account for nearly three-quarters of rental fraud cases. Scammers often advertise properties they do not own, using fake details and images. They lure victims by offering below-market rental prices and requesting deposits or advance payments before any property viewings.
With the current demand for rental properties skyrocketing—averaging around 105 enquiries per available property—desperate renters are particularly vulnerable. The situation is expected to worsen as landlords exit the market, reducing the supply of available rentals.
How to Protect Yourself
Fraudsters operate without conscience, but you can take steps to protect yourself:
Never pay upfront before viewing a property.
Use a reputable letting agent—look for memberships with Propertymark and The Property Ombudsman.
Research your agent—check online reviews and ensure they have a legitimate presence.
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true—they often are.
STOP. THINK. FRAUD.
Rental fraud losses now amount to nearly £9 million, according to NFIB data. Don't become the next victim. Stay informed and vigilant.
For more details, visit: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/
Let’s work together to stop rental fraud!