Criminals have another new target in South Africa

Criminal tactics have spilt into the property sector, with scammers taking advantage of South Africans looking for rentals.

This is according to Harcourts South Africa, which warned prospective renters of the latest tactic.

The property firm noted that in recent weeks, there has been a sharp rise in fraudulent activity where scammers impersonate real estate agents to exploit unsuspecting tenants.

This trend has been seen across multiple platforms, and it highlights the urgent need for awareness and vigilance.

The scams typically revolve around attractive property listings on widely used online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and RentUncle, where properties are advertised at prices significantly below the market value.

These low prices often catch the attention of individuals looking for a good deal, only for them to be ensnared by con artists.

The scammers engage with potential tenants through email and messaging apps like WhatsApp, presenting themselves as legitimate agents and requesting personal information and deposits to "secure" the rental property.

Anton Jansen van Vuuren, Chief Operations Officer of Harcourts South Africa, has observed an alarming increase in these fraudulent schemes.

"Recently, we have noted an increase in scams where fraudsters advertise properties, pretending to work for Harcourts. They often use platforms that do not verify the legitimacy of listings, like Facebook Marketplace and RentUncle," said Van Vuuren.

These platforms, while popular and convenient, often lack rigorous vetting procedures, making them prime hunting grounds for scammers.

This means tenants need to be extra cautious when browsing such sites for rental properties.

Prospective tenants should be aware of several key warning signs to avoid falling prey to such schemes.

One of the most obvious red flags is a rental price that seems too good to be true.

Scammers often post listings with prices far below the going rate in the area, attempting to lure in as many victims as possible.

Another common tactic is applying pressure on the tenant to make an urgent payment.

Scammers may insist on receiving deposits or fees through unconventional methods, such as electronic transfers to personal bank accounts, often under the guise of securing the property quickly due to "high demand."

Additionally, a lack of professionalism in communication is often a giveaway.

Fraudsters typically use generic, impersonal language, and they may be unwilling or unable to provide verifiable contact information.

Inconsistent details about the property, vague descriptions, or reluctance to arrange in-person viewings are further signs that something may be amiss.

Requests for sensitive personal information upfront are also a major red flag.

Legitimate agents will never ask for personal details, such as identity documents or banking information, before making any formal agreements.

If an agent is asking for such information early in the process, it should immediately raise suspicions.

Anton Jansen van Vuuren, Chief Operations Officer of Harcourts South Africa

Victims of these scams are strongly encouraged to report incidents to the police.

Harcourts South Africa assists clients by guiding them through the process of filing a report with law enforcement and their banks.

However, Van Vuuren acknowledges the challenges faced when dealing with banks.

"We assist clients in reporting to the police and then to their banks. However, cooperation from banks can be challenging," he explains.

Often, scammers use fraudulent bank accounts to collect payments, and shutting down these accounts quickly is critical to preventing further fraud.

Richard Gray, CEO of Harcourts South Africa, underscores the importance of vigilance.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our clients. It is crucial to remain vigilant and to verify all communications with recognised agents.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out to us directly," he said.

For those who have already fallen victim to these scams, immediate action is essential. The first step is to report the fraud to the nearest police station and obtain a case number.

Following this, victims should contact their bank's fraud department to ensure the closure of any fraudulent accounts used by the scammers.

"Closing the fraudulent bank accounts is a priority to prevent further withdrawals."

Potential tenants can also protect themselves by verifying the legitimacy of real estate agents through the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) website.

This verification process can prevent individuals from unknowingly engaging with fraudsters.

Furthermore, tenants should keep themselves informed about the common scams circulating in the market to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.

As scams become more sophisticated, the responsibility of ensuring a safe rental environment falls not only on property agencies like Harcourts but also on tenants themselves. Harcourts South Africa remains committed to protecting its clients and working toward a scam-free rental market.

The company's proactive approach, combined with tenant vigilance, is key to reducing the impact of rental scams on the public.

In the end, while the rise of rental scams poses a serious threat, the damage caused by these schemes can be minimised through awareness, caution, and quick reporting.

Harcourts South Africa urges all potential tenants to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming the next victim of these fraudulent activities.